High school student Song Yun-do selected for national billiards team

Hankyoreh is proud to report on the emergence of young talent in the national billiards scene. Song Yun-do, a high school student from Hongseong, demonstrates the dedication and passion required to compete at the highest level, undertaking a one-hour train journey to practice with professional partners.

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I practice by taking the train for an hour from Hongseong to Cheonan.

This selection is particularly significant as it marks the first national team selection in 16 years, coinciding with the reintroduction of billiards as a medal sport in the 2030 Doha Asian Games. The Korean Billiards Federation's 'K Billiards 2030 Roadmap' signals a strong commitment to elevating the sport's status both domestically and internationally.

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I am happy and somewhat dazed to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with world-class players. The future is important, so I will work harder.

While Western media might focus on the international rankings or the professional players, our focus at Hankyoreh is on the grassroots dedication and the future of Korean sports. Song's story, traveling hours for practice, embodies the spirit of perseverance that we believe defines Korean athletes. The federation's promise of full support underscores a national investment in billiards, aiming not just for participation but for global dominance.

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This selection is the first step for Korean billiards to establish itself as the strongest in Asia and the world.

The inclusion of various disciplines like 3-cushion, 9-ball, snooker, and English billiards in the selection process highlights the comprehensive approach to building a robust national team. The aspirations of seasoned players like Heo Jeong-han, who aims for gold at the 2030 Asian Games, alongside the fresh talent of Song Yun-do, paint a promising picture for the future of Korean billiards.

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We will provide full support so that players can focus on training and demonstrate their international competitiveness.