Merited Athlete

Merited Athlete is an honorary title of North Korea given to sports persons. It is awarded to "athletes and workers engaged in the athletic field who make distinguished contributions to the nation's athletics, receiving the love and respect of the people for devoting themselves to national and social projects". A typical achievement is winning a regional competition in Asia. The title was instituted in November 1960.

, Merited Athletes are paid a 70-won (32-dollar) monthly pension after they retire at age 60, equivalent to an ordinary office worker's pay. Merited Athletes have also been given luxurious apartments. A Merited Athlete may become a sporting coach if they complete a four-year course at the Korean Athletics University.

Sports persons may also be awarded the titles of People's Athlete or Hero of Labour.

Recipients
In 2001, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that 320 or more people have been awarded either the title of Merited Athlete or the related title of People's Athlete since 1986. , around 200 people in total had received the title of People's Athlete.