Once aspiring journalist, rifle shooter hoping to pen memorable story at Asian Games

JINCHEON, South Korea - Aspiring journalist Kwon Yuna has swapped her pen for a rifle as she eyes up a memorable debut at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. While Kwon's heart once lay in journalism, a school field trip to a shooting range in 2021 changed the course of her life. She had never heard of the sport before that day, but found herself captivated by the challenge.

Kwon, now 21, has since proven her mettle in national junior competitions, winning medals and setting records. At 21, she is set to compete in the women's 10-meter air rifle event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. This will be the first medal event in shooting at the Asian Games, taking place on September 20, the day after the opening ceremony.

Kwon will be competing alongside compatriot Ban Hyo-jin, who won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics at just 16 years old and repeated that feat at the 2025 world championships. The two have formed a close bond, even coordinating their shooting boot laces and sharing accommodation at the national training center and international events.

Kwon is determined to give her best at the Asian Games, hoping to secure a spot on the podium and make her hard work pay off. She acknowledges that her goal is to win the gold medal in the team event, and will focus on her performance in that regard. Despite her love for shooting, Kwon still enjoys reading news articles and writing, but shooting has taken precedence in her life.