More than 500 young elementary school players take part

The late Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Yang-ho competes in a charity table tennis tournament for the underprivileged. [Hanjin Group]
The late Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Yang-ho competes in a charity table tennis tournament for the underprivileged. [Hanjin Group]

The 5th Ilwoo Cup National Table Tennis Tournament, named after the pen name of the late Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Yang-ho, was held Saturday and Sunday at Incheon Gyeyang Gymnasium.

The Korea Table Tennis Association organizes and hosts the tournament, with Hanjin Group as sponsor. This year's competition drew more than 500 young male and female players in grades one through six of elementary school. Matches were played in three divisions — grades one and two, grades three and four, and grades five and six — in an individual round-robin format.

The tournament featured a range of programs honoring Cho's dedication to the development of table tennis and his commitment to nurturing young players. Along the corridor from the gymnasium entrance to the arena floor, organizers displayed about 20 photographs documenting his various activities in support of the sport.

A memorial video was also screened during the opening ceremony, giving participating players and their families a moment to remember Cho and reflect on his legacy.

The Ilwoo Cup was first held in 2022 as part of a project to honor Cho, who died in 2019, and this year marks its fifth edition. The tournament aims to commemorate his dedication and achievements in advancing table tennis while supporting young players as they pursue their dreams and grow through the sport.

Cho served as president of the Korea Table Tennis Association from July 2008 until his death in 2019, dedicating himself to the advancement of table tennis in South Korea. He worked to develop and support athletes, train referees and coaches, and improve the sport's institutional framework, laying the groundwork for its growth. He also contributed to raising the profile of Korean table tennis on the international stage.

The Korea Table Tennis Association plans to continue supporting young players through the tournament. Cash prizes will go to the coaches of top-performing athletes, scholarships to standout players, and funding will be provided for overseas training and participation in international competitions — giving players the chance to sharpen their skills and gain experience on the world stage.

Hanjin Group and the Korea Table Tennis Association plan to carry on Cho's legacy by continuing to develop the Ilwoo Cup into a competition that contributes to the growth of young table tennis players and the advancement of the sport in South Korea.


klee@heraldcorp.com