Team Korea targets 40-45 golds, third place at 2026 Asian Games
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Team Korea aims to win 40-45 gold medals and secure third place overall at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
- The team intends to narrow the gap with host nation Japan while also anticipating surprise medals from unexpected events.
- A media day was held at the Jincheon National Training Center to mark 30 days until the start of the games.
Team Korea has set an ambitious target of 40 to 45 gold medals and an overall third-place finish at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, aiming to challenge the host nation, Japan. The Korean delegation revealed its goals during a media day event held 30 days before the games commence at the Jincheon National Training Center.
While acknowledging Japan's strength as the host country, the Korean team expressed confidence in their own capabilities and potential for unexpected successes. They aim to significantly reduce the performance gap with Japan and are counting on "surprise medals" emerging from less predictable sports disciplines.
The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) organized the event, emphasizing the team's preparation and determination to achieve their medal targets. The focus is not only on competing strongly against regional rivals but also on maximizing their performance across a wide range of sports.
This strategic approach reflects a desire to build on past successes and solidify Korea's position as a major sporting power in Asia. The team's preparation involves rigorous training and a keen focus on identifying potential medal opportunities, both in established disciplines and emerging sports.
Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.