Judo teammates aim for consecutive gold medals at Asian Games

"We need to hear the national anthem played three days in a row at the Asian Games," says Huh Mi-mi, a key member of the South Korean judo team. She and her teammate Lee Hyun-ji are setting their sights high for the upcoming 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, scheduled to begin on September 19th.

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We need to hear the national anthem played three days in a row at the Asian Games.

Huh, who will compete in the women's 57kg division, and Lee, a formidable force in the women's over 78kg (super-heavyweight) category, are representing South Korea. Despite a five-year age difference and competing in different weight classes, the two athletes have developed a strong bond, becoming close friends and training partners.

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She finishes matches in just 10 seconds over there. I want to learn that overwhelming skill.

"She finishes matches in just 10 seconds over there. I want to learn that overwhelming skill," Lee Hyun-ji commented, expressing admiration for Huh's efficiency on the mat. Huh, in turn, is impressed by Lee's ability to execute complex holds, noting, "I'm always amazed how Mi-mi, who seems so clumsy off the mat, can pull off those holds."

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I'm always amazed how Mi-mi, who seems so clumsy off the mat, can pull off those holds.

Their camaraderie is a vital source of support during the rigorous training camp in Seoul. "National team training is so tough that I often think I couldn't endure it if it weren't fun," Lee shared. "I'm so glad Mi-mi is here. Eating bingsu (shaved ice dessert) with her is a great comfort." Huh echoed these sentiments, stating, "We're together 24/7, so we feel like family. Hyun-ji is like a younger sister to me, so I feel like I'm the one who needs her more."

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National team training is so tough that I often think I couldn't endure it if it weren't fun. I'm so glad Mi-mi is here. Eating bingsu (shaved ice dessert) with her is a great comfort.