The chef de mission of the South Korean delegation at the 15th Asian Games, Chung Hyun Sook, said that she felt responsible for the death of rider Kim Hyung Chil.

Kim, 47, died during the equestrian competition on Thursday morning after his horse Bundaberg Black was caught on an obstacle in wet and difficult conditions and fell onto him during the cross country event.

Chung told a press conference that she was shocked at the news. "I am in charge of every athlete and it is my job that every athlete is safe and that they return home safely.

"That is our responsibility and that is our top priority.

"I feel that I am responsible for this and my heart is broken. I am very sad about this and we will do everything in our power to ease the sadness of the bereaved family.

"It is important to win medals, but it is more important to be safe and to go home safe after the competition."

She said that the South Korean team would consider withdrawing from the equestrian event as a mark of respect to Kim.

"We will be meeting with all the athletes and officials later Thursday and then we will discuss everything. Kim's family will be arriving on Friday and we will try to help them in whatever way we can."

Ahmed Abdulla Al Khulaifi, the spokesman for the Doha 2006 Organizing Committee (DAGOC), said that a minute's silence would be observed at all venues.

"We express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends and all South Koreans over this terrible accident. We will do everything necessary to ensure that the body is brought back to his family in South Korea."

Kim was the oldest member of South Korea's equestrian team. He won silver in the team competition in Busan 2002.