46 teams, more than 800 players from across the country competed across four age divisions
Hampyeong Nabi Youth Sports Club claimed the under-14 title on home ground
The 2026 Hampyeong Cheonji Hanwoo Cup National Youth Baseball Tournament concluded in Hampyeong-gun, South Jeolla Province after three days of competition.
Hampyeong-gun announced Tuesday that the tournament closed Monday at Hampyeong Baseball Stadium.
The Hampyeong-gun Sports Council organized the event, with the Hampyeong-gun Baseball and Softball Association serving as host. It ran from Saturday through Monday across four venues — Hampyeong Baseball Stadium, South Jeolla Baseball Stadium, Hampyeong Little Baseball Stadium and Hampyeong Football Stadium.
A total of 46 youth baseball teams and more than 800 players from around the country took part, competing in a group-stage format organized by age division.
The tournament was divided into four categories: under-10, under-12, under-14 and under-16. Teams battled through group-stage qualifying rounds before advancing to the finals.
The division winners were: Gwangju Songwon Baseball Club in the under-10 and under-12 divisions, Hampyeong Nabi Youth Sports Club in the under-14 division, and Haman Youth Baseball Club in the under-16 division.
Kim Jin-seok, chairman of the Hampyeong-gun Baseball and Softball Association, said it was rewarding to see the children give their all with full focus on the game. "We will continue to do our best to develop youth baseball," he added.
Kang Ha-chun, deputy governor of Hampyeong-gun, called the tournament a meaningful occasion for young athletes to learn sportsmanship and teamwork. "We will keep building the infrastructure needed for Hampyeong to establish itself as a hub for national-level sports competitions," he said.
Meanwhile, Hampyeong-gun plans to expand its standing as a host of national baseball events by actively pursuing sports marketing strategies — including attracting baseball training camps and upgrading facilities — to draw competitions spanning all age groups from youth to adult.
kkm9971@heraldcorp.com
