Tokyo: Tokyo-born South Korean judoka Huh Mimi announced on Thursday her determination to secure an Asian Games gold medal in her native Japan next month, with strong support from her family and loved ones.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Huh, who transitioned from representing Japan to South Korea in 2021, did so to honor her grandmother's dying wish. Huh, 23, carries a rich personal history as a descendant of a Korean independence fighter from the Japanese colonial period, and she has rapidly risen in international judo, claiming an Olympic silver and a world title in 2024.
Huh faced challenges after a shoulder surgery in March last year, which affected her performance throughout 2025. During a press conference at the Jincheon National Training Center, she expressed doubts about her ability to return to the podium, questioning if she would ever achieve such success again.
However, Huh made a comeback by clinching gold in the women's -57 kilograms category at the International Judo Federation Grand Slam event in Abu Dhabi in November last year, marking her first international victory since the Olympics. She noted improvements in her results and physical condition, fueling her confidence.
As the Asian Games approach in Aichi, Japan, Huh admitted to feeling a mix of nervousness and pressure but emphasized the importance of her support system. "I have so many people who support me and root for me," she stated with a smile, expressing her determination to secure a gold medal.
Her teammate, Kim Min-jong, also aims for his first Asian Games gold, having previously won a world title and an Olympic silver in 2024. Kim, who earned a bronze in the men's +100kg at the 2023 Asian Games, shared his mindset of striving for gold and not settling for lesser achievements, which drives his focus and determination.