DPRK and Iraqi athletes arrive in Beijing

Two nations that have been constantly in the news since the last Games are North Korea and Iraq. Athletes from both countries have arrived in Beijing.

North Korea has 63 athletes competing in 11 sports, with a strong presence in weightlifting. Due to deteriorating relations on the peninsula, officials remain tightlipped on whether both Koreas will jointly march at the opening ceremony just like in the two previous Games.

Meanwhile, a small but elated group of Iraqis greeted their national team at the airport. The IOC initially banned Iraq from participating when the government dissolved the Olympic panel and replaced it with officials not recognised by the IOC. But after promises of free elections by the Iraqi government the ban was rescinded last week.

Watch the video of DPRK's flag-raising ceremony and welcoming of Iraqi athletes at Beijing airport.