The South Korean women's basketball team, led by head coach Park Suho, will embark on their journey at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, starting with their Group C opening match against Malaysia on the 18th.

Although key guard Park Ji-hyun, who plays in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) with the Los Angeles Sparks, and "paint protector" Park Jisu (KB) failed to join the squad, passing the group stage is expected to be well within reach.

South Korea, ranked 15th in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rankings, is considered superior in strength to Malaysia (80th) and Mongolia (72nd).

The team plans to solidify its teamwork and competitiveness against Chinese Taipei (39th).

The national team aims to secure first place in the group through efficient physical management starting from the group stage, before making its serious push in the tournament rounds.

South Korea is eyeing its first gold medal in 12 years since the 2014 Incheon Games.

Having never missed a medal at any Asian Games in history except for the 2006 Doha Games, South Korea is determined to reach the top of the podium once again while challenging for its fifth consecutive medal at the tournament.

(Photo: Yonhap News)