“I’m going to play Chinese music loudly at the shooting range and do field adaptation training,” and “I’ll wear black underwear and perform well.”
The Korean Shooting Federation held a media day for the national shooting team for the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, which will be held this month, at the Changwon International Shooting Center in Gyeongnam on Friday afternoon.
The Korean team, which has 35 athletes competing in all shooting events, has been training in Changwon since Feb. 2 with the goal of winning three gold medals and finishing second overall behind China.
“We have been training at the Jincheon Athletes’ Village since the end of the Asian Games selection process in April and have been competing in domestic and international competitions, so we will do our best to achieve our goal,” said Hong Seung-pyo, head coach of shooting, at the media day.
“Through the World Championships, we have realized the high level of performance of ‘shooting powerhouses’ China and India,” said Hong. “We are looking forward to winning three gold medals, including Jung Jeong-jin (Cheongju City) in the 10-meter running target, Lee Eun-seo (Seosan City) in the three positions of the 50-meter rifle, and Song Jong-ho (IBK) in the 25-meter rapid-fire pistol.”
The shooting team has left the Jincheon Athletes’ Village and has been practicing at the Changwon International Shooting Range, the actual venue for the finals.
“We’re looking forward to watching the final,” said Hong, “China is the best in the world, but they may be more nervous at home because of the pressure of the crowd. I think our athletes will be less nervous.”
Song Jong-ho (IBK), who is competing in his third Asian Games in the 25-meter rapid fire pistol individual and team events, is aiming for a double Asian Games title.
“In Incheon 2014, I won the team gold medal, but in my second Asian Games, I didn’t make the individual final. For the third edition, I want to win both the team and individual titles,” he said confidently.
“Korea’s skill is superior to China’s,” said Song Jong-ho. “I don’t have any rivals, but I’m inspired by China’s Li Yuehong, who recently broke the world record,” he said, throwing down the gauntlet to give it a go at the Asian Games.
“In shooting, mental strength ultimately decides medals,” said Song Jong-ho. “I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs, including missing out on the Olympic team selection in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and failing to qualify for the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang. I think if I stay fit and strong and finish the race, the results will follow,” he said.
“I think I’m the loudest among the rapid-fire pistol shooters,” laughed Song, who scored more than 90 percent E (extroverted) on the MBTI.
Kim Bo-mi (IBK), who competes in 10-meter air pistol, said, “As the competition approaches, I am focusing on basic physical fitness training such as weight training, running, and mountain climbing. I’m also practicing to make my shots more natural and bold,” she said, adding, “My goal is to stand on the podium.”
After finishing 24th in the individual competition at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Kim said, “I was very nervous because I didn’t compete in international competitions at the time because the COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing.” “This time, I have been participating in international competitions and maintaining my performance among high-level athletes,” she said.
“I’m going to practice at the Jincheon Athletes’ Village with Chinese music playing loudly on the speakers,” she said, adding, “I want to focus on the present, train one day at a time, and play better than before.”
“In the 50-meter rifle prone and 10-meter air rifle, which I’m more confident in, I want to calmly show what I’ve been practicing and win a gold medal,” said Lee.
“I’ve failed to qualify for the Olympic and Asian Games many times, and I’ve beaten myself up about it,” said Lee, who vowed to have her own routine, including a set number of breaths before firing, and to think positively in nervous situations.
Jung Jeong-jin, who is competing in the 10-meter running target, shared her jinx: “I think I do well when I shoot in black underwear.”
“He’s a legend in the sport, so I want to emulate him,” he said, citing the influence of “shooting emperor” Jin Jong-oh (retired).
“Even after joining a firearms company, I continued to practice individually at the Taereung shooting range and in my room, and when the running target was removed from the program at the 2016 National Championships, I was able to sign a contract with my current team,” said Jung.
The Asian Games shooting team will test its performance at the National Police Chiefs’ National Shooting Competition from Aug. 8 to 14 before departing for Hangzhou, China, on Sept. 20, 22 and 24. 카지노사이트