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Yu Seung-min, president of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee. / Courtesy of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee

The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee has organized a special event to boost the morale of national team athletes ahead of the 50-day countdown to the opening of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

The committee announced on the 30th that it held "CheerUP Stage" at the National Training Center in Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province, to promote unity and boost morale among the national team.

The event was designed to encourage national team athletes as they undergo final preparations ahead of the Asian Games, and to strengthen cross-discipline exchange and teamwork. It featured celebratory performances for the athletes as well as a stage where they could perform themselves, offering a chance to cheer each other on and renew their resolve.

Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President Yu Seung-min, National Training Center Director Kim Taek-soo, and Lee Sang-hyun, chef de mission of Team Korea for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games (also president of the Korea Cycling Federation and an auditor of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee), attended the event to encourage the athletes. Attendees urged the athletes to stay injury-free and maintain peak condition as they prepare for the Games in the time remaining. In particular, Chef de Mission Lee presented 200 million won in encouragement funds, wishing Team Korea strong performances.

Seven national team athletes who passed preliminary rounds took the stage in front of about 800 fellow athletes to showcase their talents. Based on the judging results, weightlifter Kim Su-hyun took first place, with water polo player Jeon Gi-jae and boxer Kang Su-kyung placing second and third, respectively. Archer Choi Eun-kyu won the popularity award, and artistic swimmer Lee Gyu-bin received the Upbit special award. The winner received a smart TV, while the second- and third-place finishers received smartphones provided by sponsor SKT.

Kim Su-hyun, who took first place, said, "I placed second at the 'Best Singer Competition' held four years ago, so I'm very happy to have come in first this time," adding, "I'm cheering for all the national team athletes competing at the Asian Games to perform at their best."

National Training Center Director Kim Taek-soo said, "This was a meaningful time for our busy national team athletes to laugh together and cheer each other on, even briefly," adding, "With 50 days left until the Asian Games, I hope the confidence and energy shown on stage today carries over into strong performances at the Games."

The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee said it plans to continue strengthening training support so national team athletes can perform at their best, while also continuing to run various programs to boost the team's morale and teamwork.

                                                                                                         Cheon Hyun-bin