PYONGYANG, North Korea, April 28 (UPI) -- The North Korean leg of the Beijing Olympic torch relay was held Monday in the capital, Pyongyang, where thousands reportedly cheered the event.
The torch reached the communist country after being greeted with protests in some countries against China's human right record and its rule of Tibet.
The torch flame was handed to Pak Pyong Jong, first vice chairman of the People's Committee of Pyongyang, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
It was later carried by the first runner, Park Tu Ik, 72, who scored the only goal in North Korea's 1-0 win over Italy -- a victory that sent his team to the World Cup soccer quarterfinals in 1966, the report said.
Thousands of people, who lined the city streets, waved small flags and flowers as Park began the torch's 12.5 mile relay, the first ever such Olympic event held in North Korea, the report said.
Group dances were featured on the streets and marching music was played. The route was decorated with banners and billboards carrying the Beijing 2008 Olympic torch relay logo and slogan, "Light the Passion, Share the Dream."
