THE apparently random sequence in which countries marched out at the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics had many observers scratching their heads, but it was indeed in alphabetical order – in Korean.

Greece emerged first in the arena on a sub-zero Friday night, in line with tradition because that is where the Games originated from.

But next to march, to much bewilderment among non-Koreans, was skeleton athlete Akwasi Frimpong, the flag bearer for Ghana.

Compounding the confusion for many, Ghana was followed by Nigeria, South Africa and the Netherlands.

Organisers in South Korea clarified that none of this had been a mistake, and said the order was based on the Korean alphabet, Hangul, which was developed in the 15th century to replace Chinese characters.

Countries at the Olympics always enter the Games in alphabetical order according to the language of the host nation.

Last to march out at the curtain-raiser were North and South Korea – they were behind a unified flag, and the hosts are always the final ones out. – AFP, February 10, 2018.