Handball Teams Resolve to Sweep Gold at Asian Games Send-off Ceremony

The South Korean men's and women's national handball teams, heading to the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, held a send-off ceremony yesterday (the 2nd) at the Grand Walkerhill Seoul in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, pledging to sweep both gold medals.

Hosted by the Korea Handball Federation (KHF), the ceremony was attended by about 120 people, including the male and female national team players and coaching staff, KHF Senior Vice President Geum Han-tae, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Lim Oh-kyung—who inspired the real-life movie "Forever the Moment"—Heo In-gu, chairman of the Korea Handball Development Foundation, and representatives from sponsors and broadcasting partners such as Shinhan Financial Group, Hummel Korea, Molten Korea, and SBS.

In her congratulatory remarks, Lawmaker Lim Oh-kyung said, "As a handball family member who shared 'Forever the Moment,' I firmly believe in the burning passion and exceptional capabilities of our national team that will dominate the court. Together with the entire nation, I will cheer with one heart so that the players, wearing the Taegeuk mark, can meet the most dazzling moments of glory on the Asian Games stage."

Cho Young-shin, head coach of the men's national team, responded, "While the overall skill levels of countries across Asia are rising, making competition fiercer, our squad has made thorough preparations and tailored training to be fully ready. Based on our strengths of solid defense and mental toughness, we will approach every match with fighting spirit and vigor to achieve the best possible results."

Lee Gye-chung, head coach of the women's national team, also pledged, "By maximizing the tight 'One Team' teamwork and fast speed unique to South Korean women's handball, we have perfected a balanced offense and defense that will overwhelm opponents. With one heart and mind, we will demonstrate the prowess of Asia's strongest nation and return home with the gold medals around our necks."

The men's and women's national handball teams are scheduled to depart for Japan in mid-this month after wrapping up their final training sessions at the Jincheon National Training Center in North Chungcheong Province and the Namdong Gymnasium in Incheon.
 
(Photo courtesy of the Korea Handball Federation, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.