According to UK based media reports, dictator Kim is very disappointed with the dismal performance of North Koreans at the Rio Olympics held recently. The North Koreans returned to Pyongyang with just seven medals, including two golds while their arch rivals South Korea managed 17 medals. Spokesperson Toshimitsu Shigemura said: “Those who won medals will be rewarded with better housing allocations, better rations, a car and maybe other gifts from the regime. But Kim is going to be angry and disappointed at these results".
.jpg)
North Korea's 2016 Summer Olympics gold medalists, Ri Se Gwang, left, in the men's vault and Rim Jong Sim, right, in the women's 75kg weightlifting, return home after Rio. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)
The Punishment
Those Kim feels have let him down are likely to be punished by being moved to poorer quality housing, having their rations reduced and, in the worst-case scenario, being sent to the coal mines as punishment. Kim has done it before. Some of its national football team were reportedly sent to coal mines after their 7-0 thrashing by Portugal at the 2010 World Cup.
TOI Students Tell Us This Is No Way
"This is very disappointing and it sets a wrong message. Winning and losing is a part of the game. Sportsmanship should be encouraged. In this scenario, Kim is making sure that the athletes fight extra hard to get that medal. Not worth it."
Swastik Patnaik, class X, Mothers International School, New Delhi
"I am aghast at this news report. Kim should be punished for doing this. How can the players play with such kind of pressure on their head? The dictator is only discouraging sports and athletes in his country."
Ritu Dalimia, class IV, Lotus Valley School
"Sports is not only about winning a game, it also helps to develop a personality. Kim shouldn't be allowed to do this because his punishment will have adverse effect on the young generation. I am extremely happy that India is not a state like this. We have equal respect for performers and non performers. Just the way it should be."
Jagan Bhushan, class IIV, DPS Pune
"This is totally ridiculous. How can someone even make such a stupid comment in a public podium. Instead of encouraging sports persons to give their best, this punishment will only prove to be a deterrent."
Sonali Rajput, class XII, DPS
"If winners are awarded and rewarded immediately after winning a game in Rio, why shouldn't losers be given punishment for letting their country down? I feel it is okay to reprimand sports persons who have given away their matches easily. But yes the quantum of punishment in this case is rather absurd."
Rohit Dashmunshi, class XI, Apeejay School
North Korea's Yang Kyong Il, red, competes against Cuba's Yowlys Bonne Rodriguez, blue, during the men's 57-kg freestyle wrestling competition on Aug 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
TOI Parents Have Their Say
"There is no excuse for such a statement. Kim has to understand that athletes don't lose matches due to anything. Even if they are well prepared ahead of the match, it's possible that all goes wrong on the penultimate day. Is it justified to punish the player then? Even the greats have failed in this Rio Olympics but that doesn't take away anything from them."
Satyabrata Patnaik, professor, Jawahar Lal University, Delhi
"I don't think this is acting as a deterrent. People tend to under perform if they are forced to win. So Kim's punishment is not helping his athletes. Rather he should understand what went wrong where and analyze each person's strength and weakness. It is his lookout that athletes get proper training facilities before the Games. Otherwise the defeat is his and he too must serve in the coal mines."
Rajashekhra Reddy, sports commentator, Mumbai
Well said. What Do You Have To Say About This Punishment? Is It OK To Perform Under Pressure? Let Us Know In The Comments Below.