4th Grader Kang Si-hyuk Wins Presidential Cup Table Tennis Singles, Becomes Youngest Champion Ever

For the first time in the history of the Presidential Cup National Table Tennis Championship, the largest table tennis tournament in Korea, a fourth-grade elementary student has claimed the singles title.

Kang Si-hyuk of the SeA Table Tennis Academy defeated Seo Hyun-gyu (Daegu Daesil Elementary School) 3-0 in the boys' elementary singles final at the Gyeongju Indoor Gymnasium on July 21, securing the gold medal.

He is the first fourth-grade winner in the history of this event since it was introduced in 2008, across both boys' and girls' divisions.

Kang reached the top by defeating a series of stronger opponents with more experience than himself, starting from the round of 32 all the way to the final.

Kang also won the boys' doubles title alongside his fourth-grade peer Seo I-re (SeA Academy), marking his second victory of the tournament.

Kang had already proven his potential last June by becoming the first fourth grader to be selected for the under-12 national Hopes team, where he finished in second place overall.

According to the Korea Table Tennis Association, coaches present at the tournament praised Kang for his power, fundamental skills, and court vision, which are remarkable for his age.


Originally from Jeju Island, Kang began playing table tennis under the influence of his father, who was a player at Jeju Jeil Middle and High School.

He started picking up a racket like a toy at the table tennis club his father operated from a young age.

Jo Yong-soon, vice general manager of the SeA Table Tennis Club, said, "Kang Si-hyuk is naturally gifted with grit, stamina, technique, and a sense for the game. We expect him to become an even greater player as he grows physically and gains more power. We now plan to help him gradually gain experience on the international stage, such as at World Table Tennis (WTT) events."

Meanwhile, in the girls' elementary singles, Yoon Sa-rang of the SeA Table Tennis Academy defeated her teammate Choi Yeo-on in the final to win the title.

With this victory, the SeA Table Tennis Academy swept both the boys' and girls' elementary singles titles at this year's Presidential Cup, proving itself to be a hub for nurturing young talent.

(Photo courtesy of Korea Table Tennis Association, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.