'Glad it's over': Kim powers to Games gold and military exemption

NAGOYA: In a triumphant finish, Tom Kim secured the gold medal in golf at the Asian Games on Saturday. The South Korean golfer's victory came after a final-round six-under 64, giving him a three-shot lead over the competition. With a roar of "Come on!" Kim celebrated his par at the last hole, having shot five birdies and an eagle throughout his outstanding round.

Kim was visibly relieved and overjoyed to have completed the grueling task, stating, "It's a crazy feeling. I'm just glad it's over. This day was the longest day I think I've ever had in my life." The Seoul government offers an exemption from military service to South Korean males who win Asian Games or Olympic medals, allowing Kim to continue his burgeoning career while enjoying a four-week light basic training stint.

Kim's win was especially significant for him, as he narrowly missed an Olympic medal spot two years ago. He expressed gratitude for his victory, saying, "I'm very grateful that I won gold this week. I was more focused on winning a medal for my team, other than personal issues." The competition was intense, with three players tied for second place in a three-way playoff.

Kazuki Higa of Japan took second place, Sadom Kaewkanjana of Thailand secured bronze after a sudden-death playoff with China's Ding Wenyi, who won team gold. India's Pranavi Urs made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Asian Games golf gold, finishing one stroke ahead of Yin Ruoning (China) and Shannon Tan (Singapore).

Yin claimed the silver medal from Tan in a playoff, while Yin's China teammates Liu Yan and Zhang Weiwei won the team event's bronze. Tseng Ya-ni (China) secured her second Asian Games bronze medal, following her 20-year-old bronze in Doha, while she is now 37.