The country will field about 1,052 athletes and sports officials to compete in 41 of the 43 disciplines, excluding cricket and padel.
According to the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC), South Korean athletes and sports officials gathered at the Jincheon National Training Center in North Chungcheong Province earlier this week to boost their morale ahead of the 20th Asian Games, which will take place in Aichi Prefecture and its capital city of Nagoya from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4.
South Korea, China, and Japan have traditionally been the top three at the Asian Games. China has long held the top spot, while Japan has finished second at the last two games, ahead of South Korea.
South Korea is expecting strong performances and multiple gold medals in archery, badminton, fencing, modern pentathlon, shooting, swimming, and taekwondo. Officials are also hoping for at least one gold medal in artistic gymnastics, athletics, football, and sport climbing, among others.
In a message delivered by Sports Minister Chae Hwi-young at an event on Thursday, President Lee Jae Myung encouraged the athletes. "I'm confident your strength and determination will inspire people in South Korea and around the world," Lee said, adding that the government would support the athletes so they could compete at their best and return home safely.
Lee Sang-hyun, president of the Korea Cycling Federation, who will lead the South Korean delegation, urged the athletes to represent their country with pride while stressing the importance of safety. "My staff and I will take care of every little detail, so you don't have to worry about anything outside your competition," Lee said, promising strong support.
Meanwhile, this year's Asian Games will bring together more than 15,000 participants from 45 countries, who will vie for some 469 gold medals. South Korean athletes are set to leave for Nagoya on Sept. 17, though some will depart earlier or later depending on when their competitions take place.
AJP Takeaways
- South Korea is targeting a third-place finish at the 20th Asian Games in Japan, with a goal of winning up to 50 gold medals.
- South Korea will field about 1,052 athletes and sports officials in 41 of the 43 disciplines, with medal hopes particularly high in archery, badminton, fencing, modern pentathlon, shooting, swimming and taekwondo.
- The 2026 Asian Games will run from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, bringing together more than 15,000 participants from 45 countries competing for about 469 gold medals. South Korean athletes are scheduled to begin departing for Nagoya on Sept. 17.
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