(Asiad) Swimming competition set to begin as S. Korea looks to replicate 2023 success
TOKYO, Sept. 19 (Yonhap) -- The swimming competition of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian G...
The swimming competition for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games is set to commence on Sunday at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre. South Korea aims to replicate their remarkable success from the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where they claimed a record 22 medals, six of which were gold. The key figures leading the South Korean charge are Kim Woo-min and Hwang Sun-woo, who together secured ten medals, with Kim claiming three golds and Hwang two. Both swimmers are expected to compete again in Tokyo.
Defending champions Kim Woo-min and Hwang Sun-woo have impressive individual records. Kim holds the title in the 400-meter and 800-meter freestyle events, while Hwang emerged victorious in the 200m freestyle during the 2023 games. Their partnership in the 4x200m freestyle relay earned them the gold title three years ago. Ji Yu-chan made an unexpected mark as the champion in the men's 50m freestyle event, and he will aim to defend his title in Tokyo.
Among the new faces, Kim Young-beom is poised to achieve a surprising triumph for the men's side, while Kim Seung-won, aged 16, will make her debut in women's swimming.
The Asian Games feature a strong presence from China and Japan, forming a trio of swimming powerhouses in the region. In men's freestyle races, Zhang Zhanshu, a 19-year-old Chinese swimmer, is generating significant buzz and is expected to challenge Kim and Hwang's dominance in the 200m, 400m, and 800m events. In Japan, Tatsuya Murata, also 19, is another formidable competitor in the freestyle category.
Murata edged out Hwang for the bronze medal at the 2025 world championships, setting a new Japanese national record time of 1:44.54.
The swimming competition in Tokyo is scheduled to conclude on Friday. South Korea could potentially secure at least one medal each day during the event. The 100m freestyle race is set for Sunday, followed by the 50m freestyle on Monday, where both Ji and Kim will compete. On Monday, the men's 4x200m freestyle relay will also take place.
South Korea might achieve a significant haul on Friday, with Kim Woo-min aiming for his second consecutive gold in the 400m freestyle and Lee Ju-ho chasing his first gold in the 200m backstroke. The women's 4x100m medley relay team will strive for a triumphant finish on Friday evening.
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