SHYMKENT, KAZAKHSTAN – The South Korean shooting team has made a strong statement at the 16th Asian Shooting Championships, securing a total of 18 medals over the first four days of the competition. The impressive performance, which included six medals on Thursday alone, underscores the team’s competitive strength across multiple disciplines and age groups, setting a promising tone for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
On a standout day for the team, South Korea’s shooters demonstrated remarkable skill and determination. Among the top performers was Park Ha-jun, the 2024 Paris Olympics silver medalist, who earned a bronze in the men’s 10m air rifle final with a score of 228.7 points. Park, along with teammates Lee Jun-hwan and Seo Jun-won, also clinched a bronze in the men's team event.
The men's air rifle discipline proved to be a goldmine for the South Koreans, with medals claimed across all age categories. The junior team, composed of Lee Hyun-seo, Kim Tae-kyung, and Lee Jong-hyuk, secured a bronze. Lee Hyun-seo further distinguished himself with an individual silver medal, bringing his personal medal count to two. In the youth division, the trio of Jo Min-jae, Shin Sung-woo, and Seok Ji-woo earned a silver medal.
Adding to the day’s success, Jeong Yu-jin contributed a silver medal in the 50m mixed moving target event. This strong collective effort on Thursday brought the team’s total medal count for the day to six, reinforcing their position as a dominant force in Asian shooting.
The tournament, which has drawn 734 athletes from 28 countries, is the largest of its kind in Asia and serves as a crucial preparatory event for the upcoming Asian Games. South Korea has sent a substantial delegation of 105 individuals, including 82 athletes and 23 coaches, to the championships, which will continue until August 30.
Looking ahead, all eyes are on the women’s 10m air rifle event scheduled for Friday. South Korean national team members Keum Ji-hyeon, Kwon Eun-ji, and Kwon Yu-na are set to compete, with high expectations for another strong showing.
An official from the Korea Shooting Federation expressed confidence in the team’s future prospects, noting, "Our athletes are showcasing their competitiveness across all disciplines—pistol, shotgun, and rifle. This performance gives us great confidence that we can achieve excellent results at the 2026 Asian Games."
The consistent performance of the South Korean team across various events highlights the depth of their talent and the effectiveness of their training programs. As the championships progress, the team aims to further solidify its reputation as a leading power in international shooting sports, fueled by the momentum of its impressive medal haul.
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