Jakarta, Indonesia

A South Korean swimmer was assaulted by a Chinese athlete following an altercation at the Asian Games, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday.

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The incident happened after a Korean swimmer accidentally struck the Chinese swimmer's face while training at Jakarta's Aquatic Center, Yonhap said, citing the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC).

The Chinese swimmer, who was not named, kicked the other and the pair had to be separated by athletes and coaches, the report said.

"Two swimmers had a quarrel after they had physical contact," a KSOC official was quoted as saying. "the Korean swimmer apologised first, but apparently the Chinese athlete couldn't understand what she said and assaulted her."

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Chinese staff apologised to their South Korean counterparts for the incident at the scene and again later in the athletes' village, according to the KSOC.

Asian Games organisers said they were unaware of the incident when approached by AFP. The KSOC and Chinese Olympic Committee were not immediately available for comment.