The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee said Monday that South Korea achieved strong results at the 34th Korea-China-Japan Junior Comprehensive Games, held Aug. 23-29 in Saga Prefecture, Japan, sending a delegation of 245 athletes across 11 sports.
The games, held in rotation among South Korea, China and Japan since 1993, took place this year across Saga Prefecture, including the cities of Saga, Ogi, Takeo and Tosu. In weightlifting, Park San-hae claimed first place in the men's 65-kilogram category with a total score of 271 kilograms, edging out his closest rival, China's Xiong Fenghui. His clean and jerk of 155 kilograms tied the Korean student record. In the women's +86-kilogram category, Kim Che-ryang swept all three titles — snatch (104 kg), clean and jerk (130 kg) and total score (234 kg) — to claim a triple crown.
In track and field, Han Ji-hye set a personal best of 4 minutes 39.35 seconds in the 1,500 meters, while Kim Si-hu ran a personal best of 47.82 seconds in the 400 meters. Team sports also delivered strong performances: the women's volleyball and women's handball teams each won both of their matches against Japan and Saga, while the women's tennis team went undefeated across all three of its matches.
"I am proud of our young athletes, who gave their all and strengthened the friendship among the three nations through sport," Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President Yoo Seung-min said. "We will continue to provide full support so that the next-generation athletes who will lead South Korea can build their international competitiveness."
The 35th Korea-China-Japan Junior Comprehensive Games are scheduled to be held in 2027 in North Jeolla Province, South Korea.
yjc@heraldcorp.com
