Athletes partying, not missing: Officials

Athletes partying, not missing: Officials

BUSAN, South Korea: Eight Nepalese Asian Games athletes who
had been reported missing have been found - partying at a popular
Busan beach.

The Nepalese team had reported them missing Thursday, but
South Korean police found them Friday at Haeundae beach, site of
the beach volleyball competition, said Ramesh Khanal, a team
official.

"We are hoping they will come back and apologize," Khanal said
Saturday. "We are keeping our fingers crossed."

The athletes, originally scheduled to return home Friday, had
asked for an extended stay. But they left the Games Village
without waiting for a decision from team officials, Khanal said.

Khanal said police cannot force a return to the team by the
athletes, who are accredited for the games until the end of the
month. The games end Oct. 14.--AP