▲ South Korean national baseball team captain Noh Si-hwan (right) and other players arrive at Chubu Centrair International Airport in Japan on the 18th for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. (Photo: Yonhap News)
South Korea national baseball team manager Ryu Ji-hyun, who is aiming for a fifth consecutive Asian Games title, emphasized upon arriving at Chubu Centrair International Airport in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, today (the 18th), that "wearing the national flag carries a heavy sense of responsibility," adding, "Since the preparation process itself went smoothly, I expect good results."
The national team, led by Manager Ryu, arrived via Terminal 1 of Chubu Centrair International Airport at around 12:50 p.m. today.
Speaking to reporters at the arrival gate, Manager Ryu said, "I arrived with a mix of excitement and tension, but seeing the bright expressions of the players upon reaching the airport makes me feel very positive."
South Korea has won four consecutive gold medals in Asian Games baseball starting from the 2010 Guangzhou, 2014 Incheon, 2018 Jakarta-Palembang, and the 2022 Hangzhou Games held in 2023.
The goal remains a gold medal at this tournament as well.
Having arrived at the battleground, the national team will step up its final preparations with a focus on local adaptation.
However, due to recent rain disrupting field maintenance, the official training venue for tomorrow (the 19th) had not been finalized as of their arrival.
▲ South Korean national baseball team manager Ryu Ji-hyun arrives at Chubu Centrair International Airport in Japan on the 18th and gives an interview to reporters. (Photo: Yonhap News)
Manager Ryu stated, "It is not just us who cannot practice at the baseball field; all eight participating countries face the exact same conditions, and the players will be able to adapt sufficiently."
He added, "The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) has secured a separate baseball field just in case. If we are not assigned an official training ground by the organizing committee, we plan to use the pre-secured facility."
Regarding concerns that administrative confusion in tournament operations could become a variable affecting performance, he replied, "We haven't experienced such situations directly yet. The accommodation and dining environments are better than previous Asian Games, allowing the players to rest comfortably."
The national team was assembled on the 14th to train at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, and won 7-6 in a tiebreaker against the Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps (Sangmu) in their final practice match the previous day.
Manager Ryu explained, "While playing against Sangmu yesterday, I sketched out the overall lineup. I believe we need to respond well depending on whether opposing teams pitch the starters we expect or different types of pitchers."
He further noted, "The players' conditions are excellent. I also think the players' focus and mindset will be different here compared to training domestically. If those elements come together well, we will put on a strong performance next week on the 21st."
▲ South Korean national baseball team player Kim Do-young arrives at Chubu Centrair International Airport in Japan on the 18th. (Photo: Yonhap News)
Kim Do-young (KIA Tigers), who joined the national team after overcoming a nasal fracture, also stepped onto Japanese soil with a bright expression.
Kim suffered a nasal bone fracture when he was hit in the face by a batted ball while attempting a surprise bunt during a KBO League game on the 9th, but joined the national team training after undergoing a reduction procedure.
In yesterday's match against Sangmu, he played normally as the leadoff hitter and third baseman, going 0-for-4 with one strikeout.
He expressed his ambition, saying, "My condition is fine, and since everyone is united with their eyes set solely on winning, I will do my best. Prior to the games, avoiding injuries is the top priority, and I am working hard to quickly recover my match form."
He emphasized, "I have no specific thoughts about the batting order. Honestly, whenever I played as a national team member, my performance was good. Regardless of the batting order, I plan to do my best in the position given to me."
The national team will hold local adaptation training on the 19th and 20th, followed by their opening Group B match against strong title contender Taiwan at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Baseball Stadium at 6:30 p.m. on the 21st.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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