(Asiad) With 21 gold medals, S. Korea counting on more from archery, taekwondo in final week

NAGOYA, Japan - As the Asian Games progress, South Korea finds itself in the final week of medal contention with 21 gold medals, nearing their target of approximately 45 gold medals. Early successes included South Korea's basketball teams claiming three golds, one in each of the men's and women's 5x5 hoops, and the men's 3x3 basketball.

The country also achieved its fifth consecutive gold in baseball and secured a gold in women's handball for the first time since 2018. Fencers contributed to the medal haul with four golds, with Oh Sang-uk clinching the men's sabre individual title and leading the team gold medal effort.

Surprising medal winners emerged in artistic gymnastics and canoe sprint categories. However, South Korea faced challenges in swimming and table tennis, where they concluded with three bronze medals, the worst performance in the country's history. As the Games enter the final stretch, South Korea is expected to secure golds from archery, taekwondo, and judo.

The archery team has reached the semifinals in all six team events, including men's, women's, and mixed competitions in both compound and recurve categories. Additionally, South Korean archers are seen as medal threats in all individual compound and recurve events.

In team sports, South Korea aims for its fourth straight gold in men's football but hopes to win its first title in women's football. The women's final is scheduled for Friday, followed by the men's final on Saturday. The Asian Games will conclude on Sunday with the closing ceremony.