Kim going too far? North Korean athletes may be banished to coal mines for not achieving medal target in Rio 2016

North Korean athletes who failed to win medals at Rio may be banished to the coal mines as dictator Kim Jong-un is not happy with the performance of the Olympic contingent, reported The Financial Express.

At the 2012 London Olympics, the North Korean athletes had won four gold and two bronze medals while this time around they bagged a total of seven medals which included two golds, three silvers and two bronzes. Reportedly this is the very reason why the sportspersons of the country may face the wrath of Jong-un, who wanted them to bring home at least five gold and 12 other medals.

North Korea had sent 31 athletes to Rio and reportedly they were under tremendous pressure to deliver and in the end that may have affected their performance. The players who have disappointed the dictator may be punished by being moved to poor quality houses, provided lesser rations and may even be sent to the coal mines. However, those who won medals would be awarded good quality housing, better rations, car and other gifts from the kingdom.

However, contrary to the reports, an unofficial spokesman of Pyongyang said that the athletes would receive a warm welcome in the country on their return and those who didn't win medals wouldn't be punished.