Olympic Gold Medalist Shooter Ban Hyo-jin Aims for Asian Games Title

Nineteen-year-old shooter Ban Hyo-jin, already a celebrated figure as South Korea's youngest summer Olympic gold medalist, is setting her sights on the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Fresh off her historic victory in the women's 10m air rifle at the Paris Olympics, Ban expressed a determination to approach the upcoming Asian Games with renewed focus and maturity.

"I will challenge for the top spot at the Asian Games with a more mature performance than at the Paris Olympics," Ban stated during the national shooting team's media day at the Jincheon National Training Center. She began her shooting journey in middle school and earned her spot on the national team just three years later. Her Olympic gold medal, won at the remarkable age of 16 years, 10 months, and 18 days, not only made her South Korea's youngest summer Olympian to win gold but also marked the nation's 100th gold medal in the history of the Summer Games.

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I will challenge for the top spot at the Asian Games with a more mature performance than at the Paris Olympics.

Ban's impressive run continued with a victory at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Championships last November. She secured her berth in the Asian Games by passing the national team selection trials in April, marking her debut in the prestigious regional competition.

Despite her Olympic success, Ban remains grounded, emphasizing that past achievements do not guarantee future results. "Having an Olympic gold medal does not guarantee a good performance," she noted. "I believe the Asian Games are a stage just as challenging as the World Championships or the Olympics, and I am preparing with all my effort."

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Having an Olympic gold medal does not guarantee a good performance. I believe the Asian Games are a stage just as challenging as the World Championships or the Olympics, and I am preparing with all my effort.