The South Korean women's sabre fencing team claimed the gold medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, defeating Japan.
The team, consisting of Jeon Ha-young (Seoul City Hall), Kim Jeong-mi, Seo Ji-yeon (both from Ansan City Hall), and Choi Se-bin (Daejeon City Hall), triumphed over Japan 45-31 in the final held at the Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, on September 27.
This victory marks South Korea's return to the top of the podium in women's sabre team events after eight years, following their gold medal win at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games. In the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, they secured a bronze medal in the same category.
South Korea took the lead early in the final. Choi Se-bin started strong, defeating Japan's Emura Misaki 5-2. Jeon Ha-young and Seo Ji-yeon maintained the lead, and by the end of the third bout, South Korea was ahead 15-8.
In the fourth bout, Japan attempted to close the gap, but South Korea quickly regained control. Choi Se-bin scored consecutively, and both Seo Ji-yeon and Jeon Ha-young continued to extend the lead.
There was a moment of concern in the second half when Seo Ji-yeon reported knee pain and was replaced by Kim Jeong-mi. Kim made an immediate impact by scoring, helping South Korea maintain a significant lead heading into the final bout.
In the last bout, Jeon Ha-young faced Emura and secured the remaining points needed for victory. South Korea finished the match 45-31, clinching the gold medal.
In the team event, South Korea advanced to the quarterfinals with a bye, then defeated Hong Kong 45-28 in the quarterfinals and China 45-29 in the semifinals to reach the final.
In the individual events, the women's sabre team did not win any medals. Jeon Ha-young was eliminated in the quarterfinals, and Kim Jeong-mi exited in the round of 16, failing to reach the podium. However, they bounced back in the team event, defeating Hong Kong, China, and Japan to secure the gold medal.
The women's sabre team event was the last fencing competition of the tournament. South Korea concluded the fencing events with a gold medal, wrapping up their schedule on a high note.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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