The 5th Ilwoo National Table Tennis Tournament, named in honor of the late Cho Yang-ho, was held from August 29 to 30 at the Incheon Gyeyang Gymnasium.
The tournament, organized by the Korea Table Tennis Association and sponsored by Hanjin Group, featured over 500 youth players from grades 1 to 6 competing in three divisions: grades 1-2, 3-4, and 5-6, using a league format for individual matches.
Various programs were conducted during the event to honor Cho Yang-ho's commitment to the development of table tennis and the nurturing of young athletes.
A photo exhibition showcasing approximately 20 images of Cho Yang-ho's contributions to table tennis was displayed in the corridor leading from the entrance of the Incheon Gyeyang Gymnasium to the competition area.
Additionally, a tribute video was screened during the opening ceremony, allowing participating players and their families to remember and reflect on his legacy.
The Ilwoo National Table Tennis Tournament was first held in 2022 as part of a project to commemorate Cho Yang-ho, who passed away in 2019, and this year marks its fifth edition.
The tournament aims to honor the late leader's dedication and achievements in table tennis while supporting young athletes in pursuing their dreams through the sport.
Cho Yang-ho served as the president of the Korea Table Tennis Association from July 2008 until his passing in 2019, dedicating himself to the advancement of table tennis in South Korea. He worked on athlete development and support, as well as improving systems for referees and coaches, laying the groundwork for the sport's growth in the country. He also contributed to enhancing South Korea's status in international table tennis.
The Korea Table Tennis Association plans to continue supporting the growth of youth players through this tournament. They will award cash prizes to the coaches of outstanding players and provide scholarships to those with excellent performance, as well as support for overseas training or participation in international competitions. This initiative aims to improve players' performance and provide them with opportunities to gain experience on the international stage.
A representative from Hanjin Group stated, "We will continue to carry on the late leader's legacy by developing the Ilwoo National Table Tennis Tournament into an event that contributes to the growth of youth table tennis players and the advancement of domestic table tennis."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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