The city of Mokpo, South Jeolla Province, has successfully secured the hosting rights for the 2028 Asia U23 Athletics Championships, marking a significant step towards becoming an international sports city.
Mokpo announced on November 10 that it was selected as the host city during the Asian Athletics Association (AA) board meeting held in Tokyo, Japan, defeating Ranchi, India.
Seventeen out of the 19 board members attended the meeting, but the voting results for the host city were not disclosed.
The Asia U23 Athletics Championships is an international competition where promising athletes under the age of 23 from 45 Asian member countries will compete, with an expected participation of over 1,600 athletes and officials.
Mokpo highlighted its sports facilities, including the Mokpo Comprehensive Sports Complex and auxiliary venues, as well as stable lodging conditions as key strengths during the bidding process.
The city actively promoted its state-of-the-art athletics track, capacity for accommodating teams, and operational readiness to enhance its competitiveness.
Notably, Mayor Kang Seong-hwi traveled to Tokyo to personally present Mokpo's bid, which garnered attention.
During the meeting, Mayor Kang explained the city's facilities, lodging, and transportation conditions for hosting the event, conveying Mokpo's commitment to successfully organizing the championships.
The city believes that the mayor's direct involvement in the bidding process positively influenced the successful outcome.
This event is expected to elevate Mokpo's urban competitiveness and inject new vitality into the local economy, beyond merely hosting an international sports event.
The influx of athletes and officials from various Asian countries is anticipated to have a positive ripple effect on local businesses, including lodging, dining, and tourism.
Furthermore, hosting this international event will enhance Mokpo's sports infrastructure and raise its profile across Asia, strengthening the foundation for future international sports events.
Kang Seong-hwi, the mayor of Mokpo, stated, "This valuable achievement is the result of the passionate dedication of Mokpo citizens and the thorough preparations by related organizations. We will do our utmost to ensure a successful event by checking the venues and preparing tailored support for the teams so that the young athletes can showcase their best abilities."
He also expressed gratitude to Baek Hyung-hoon, the technical director of the Korea Athletics Federation, Jeong Young-hoon, the deputy director of the international department, Song Jin-ho, the president of the Jeollanam-do Sports Council, and Kim Seong-dae, the president of the Mokpo Sports Council, for their support during the bidding process in Japan.
With the confirmation of the host city, Mokpo plans to begin preparations in earnest, including forming an organizing committee, inspecting sports facilities, and establishing support systems for the teams.
Additionally, the city will collaborate with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and other relevant agencies to secure the necessary budget for event operations and strengthen administrative support for systematic preparations.
Mokpo aims to enhance its capacity to host international sports events and continuously pursue initiatives to invigorate the local economy by linking sports and tourism, leveraging the opportunity presented by the 2028 championships to showcase its sports infrastructure and tourism resources to countries across Asia.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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