Komaki: South Korean women's volleyball team captain Kang So-hwi said Wednesday she found her rhythm after struggling in the first set and enjoyed the rest of the match to help her country win its Asian Games opener against Hong Kong.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang expressed relief and confidence during a mixed-zone interview after South Korea defeated Hong Kong 3-0 (25-23, 25-12, 25-12) in the women's volleyball preliminary Pool D match at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Park Arena Komaki in Komaki, north of Nagoya, Japan. Despite initial challenges, Kang led the team with a match-high 14 points, including two aces and one block.
Kang had been battling a thigh injury that affected her performance in earlier competitions, particularly during a 3-0 loss to Thailand in the quarterfinals at this year's continental championship in August. "After the first set, I overcame the fear," she revealed, highlighting her mental struggles rather than physical limitations.
The team had a tight 25-23 win in the first set, but Kang's improved performance in the second set significantly boosted their play. Her teammate, setter Kim Da-in, noted the captain's increased confidence and stated, "She plays far better when she is in high spirits, so I thought it would be better to use her mood more."
South Korea's promising start to the Asian Games has the team looking forward to more challenging matches against top volleyball nations like Japan, China, and Thailand. Reflecting on past performances, it was noted that at the 2023 Hangzhou Games, South Korea didn't advance to the medal round, marking the first time since 2006 that they failed to secure an Asian Games medal in women's volleyball.
Middle blocker Lee Da-hyeon shared insights into their preparation, saying, "Since we started training at the national training center in Jincheon, we have prepared for matches against Japan, Thailand and China." She emphasized the importance of believing in their training and efforts as they aim for a higher position and better results.
Looking ahead, South Korea is set to play against Qatar the following day and Vietnam on Friday. The outcome against Vietnam will determine the top position in Pool D, with the top two teams advancing to the quarterfinals.