Jincheon: South Korean epee fencer Song Se-ra appears to be peaking just in time for the Asian Games starting next month, having bagged her second career world title last month in Hong Kong. The 32-year-old said Thursday she will be ready for a fresh set of challenges when the top Asian multisport competition kicks off Sept. 19 in the Japanese prefecture of Aichi. At her Asian Games debut three years ago, Song won the individual silver medal behind teammate Choi In-jeong and combined with Choi for the team gold medal.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Song expressed her determination to approach this year's event with a new mindset at the South Korean delegation's joint press conference at the Jincheon National Training Center. "I have been performing well of late, and I feel like I am at my best when I can stay locked in on my own performance, and not worry about results or other athletes," Song added. "So I will try to enjoy myself out there."
Vaulter Yeo Seo-jeong is also set to compete at her second Asian Games this fall, with her debut taking place in 2018 in Jakarta, where she was crowned the continental champion. When Yeo skipped the 2023 Asian Games to participate in the world championships to win a spot in the 2024 Olympics, North Korean An Chang-ok emerged as the new Asiad champion. Yeo, the 2021 Olympic bronze medalist, acknowledged An as "a great athlete" but added she will not worry about what An or anyone else will do in Japan this fall.
Weightlifter Park Hye-jeong is preparing for a tough competition against a world-class opponent. Park won the 2023 Asian Games gold medal in the women's +87 kilograms, in the absence of the world record holder from China, Li Wenwen. Li missed that event due to injury but later defended her Olympic gold medal in 2024, with Park finishing a distant second. Park mentioned feeling surprised upon learning of Li's participation in this year's Asian Games but is trying to channel any pressure into something more positive.
Boxer Im Ae-ji will be aiming for an Asian Games medal after her previous two attempts ended in early exits. Im, who secured a bronze medal in women's boxing at Paris 2024, has been grappling with the weight of expectations since her Olympic success. She aims to reach the finals this time and is working on having more faith in herself amidst the pressure.
South Korea's team sports have faced challenges recently, with both men's basketball and volleyball teams missing out on podium finishes at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Captains of these teams expressed their determination to change that narrative. Men's basketball forward Lee Seong-hyun, who has yet to win a gold medal in his three Asian Games appearances, highlighted the team's potential once injured players return. Meanwhile, volleyball captain Cha Young-seok, although not present during the previous defeat, stated his confidence in the team's improved mindset and readiness to deliver better results this time around.