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