Take My Ball! ... Over 360 Changwon Jokgu Players Engage in Fiery Competition

12th Changwon Mayor's Jokgu Tournament Held at Olympic Park

The 12th Gyeongnam Changwon Special Mayor's Cup Jokgu Tournament was held on the 19th at the Olympic Park Soccer Field.

This tournament, hosted by the Changwon Sports Council and organized by the Changwon Jokgu Association, is held annually to promote unity and camaraderie among local jokgu enthusiasts and to revitalize community sports activities.

Participants of the 12th Gyeongnam Changwon Special Mayor's Jokgu Tournament are taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Changwon Special City Hall

According to the city, this year, 62 teams in four divisions, with over 360 players, competed in a league-style preliminary round where teams took turns determining their rankings. The winners then advanced through a tournament bracket, with the final champion decided by knockout matches.

Trophies and cash prizes were awarded to the winning team, runner-up, joint third-place teams, as well as to individual players and referees who received personal awards.

A city official explained, "Jokgu is a sport with great national pride, as there are records indicating that even Hwarang of the Silla Dynasty enjoyed it. It is a traditional sport that anyone, regardless of age or gender, can enjoy with just a ball. Not only in Korea but also abroad, the number of people enjoying jokgu is increasing."

Changwon Mayor Hong Nampyo (left) is taking an oath together with the player representative of the 12th Gyeongnam Changwon Special City Mayor's Jokgu Tournament, promising fair play. [Photo by Changwon Special City Hall]

Mayor Hong Nam-pyo, who attended the opening ceremony, said, "I hope that through this tournament, held in May, the prime season for sports, everyone can relieve daily stress and fully demonstrate the skills they have honed. Above all, I wish everyone enjoys the games safely without injury, and I hope this meaningful event attracts even more people to the sport of jokgu."

Changwon City plans to expand improvements to sports facilities, create better environments, and develop new programs to meet the growing demand for jokgu among modern citizens.