The Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games (AG) has begun. Men’s fencer Koo Bon-gil (Korea Sports Promotion Organization) and women’s swimmer Kim Seo-young (Gyeongbuk Provincial Office) were honored as flag bearers for the Korean athletes.
Koo Bon-gil and Kim Seo-young were the flag bearers for the athletes as they entered the Hangzhou AG Opening Ceremony at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium on the evening of the 23rd. Dressed in white top and bottom suits, the two athletes held the Korean flag together with bright expressions.
“At the Olympics, I was very nervous and felt a lot of pressure because I was alone, but this time, I think I was able to enjoy the opening ceremony with less pressure because I was accompanied by Kim Seo-young,” Koo told Yonhap News. He continued, “I think China is China after all. The preparations for the opening ceremony, the performances, and the crowd were all overwhelming and colorful,” he said, adding, “I got goosebumps when I heard the cheers.”
Koo will be looking to win his fourth consecutive AG Men’s Sabre individual title and become the most decorated Korean athlete to ever win a Summer AG gold medal. “Now that 스포츠토토 the AGs have begun in earnest, I hope that all Korean athletes will do as well as they have prepared, and I ask the public to show their support for the athletes,” he added.
“I was very nervous and excited because it was my first time as a flag bearer, but I was so happy and honored that this opportunity came to me,” said Kim Seo-young, “I was so proud and happy to represent the Republic of Korea.” Kim, who won gold in the women’s 200m individual medley at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games, will be aiming for a second consecutive AG medal.