The Korean women's sepak takraw team has advanced to the semifinals of the women's doubles event at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, securing a medal for the first time in 16 years.
On September 27, the team defeated India and host nation Japan in the B group of the preliminary round held at the Mizuho Park Gymnasium in Nagoya, Japan.
In the morning match, Korea triumphed over India with a set score of 2-0 (15-8, 15-3), followed by another 2-0 victory (15-13, 15-7) against Japan in the afternoon, achieving two wins in a single day.
As a result of the group stage, both Korea and the Philippines finished with two wins, while Japan and India, with two losses, were eliminated. Korea has secured at least a second-place finish in the group, regardless of the outcome of the remaining matches.
In the women's doubles event, both teams that lose in the semifinals will receive bronze medals, meaning Korea will earn its second medal in this category since the bronze at the 2010 Guangzhou Games.
Earlier, the women's team regu (three-player team) won a silver medal, and players Lee Min-joo, Han Ye-ji, and Kim Se-young are now aiming for gold in the women's doubles. The absence of Thailand, a dominant force in sepak takraw, has raised expectations for Korea's chances of winning.
Korea will face the Philippines in the final group match on September 28 at 9 a.m. to determine the group winner, followed by the semifinals at 2 p.m. the same day, with the finals scheduled for September 29 at 9 a.m.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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