Busan Women's Jokgu Team Makes History... Wins and Shares Third Place at Ulsan Mayor's Cup, Claims First National Title

Namgu Unique Team Wins National Tournament in General Division

Coach Ha Jongjin Says, "Will Strive to Promote Women's Sports"

The Busan women's Jokgu team has claimed the national championship.

On the 19th, the Busan women's Jokgu team dominated the national-scale club tournament held at the Munsu International Archery Field in Ulsan. This is the first time a women's Jokgu club from Busan has won the national championship.

The Busan Jokgu Association announced on the 20th that Unique Jokgu Team, representing Busan in the 27th Ulsan Mayor's National Jokgu Tournament, which featured 1,200 participants from 150 teams across 17 cities and provinces, secured both the championship and a shared third place in the women's division.

In the tournament, which was held in 10 categories, Unique Jokgu Team participated with two squads. Team A claimed the top spot in the women's division, while Team B also celebrated by finishing in a tie for third place.

Additionally, Busan women's player Jung Sujin was named Most Valuable Player, and coach Ha Jongjin, who led Unique Team, was selected as Best Coach.

The Unique team in the women's division, which competed in this tournament, is coached by Ha Jongjin, an advisor to the Busan Jokgu Association, with Jung Sujin serving as captain.

For Unique A Team in the women's division, Seo Jujin, Kim Jangmi, Jung Sujin, Jang Yuri, Kim Misuk, and Park Bobae took to the field and lifted the championship trophy. The Unique B Team, which finished third, consisted of Kim Yeongeun, Seo Kieun, Jung Heeseon, Choi Hyunae, An Yujin, and Kim Minjeong.

At the awards ceremony, coach Ha Jongjin stated, "I will dedicate all my efforts to the activation and development of women's Jokgu in Busan," adding, "We are determined to become the nation's best team by regularly competing against strong women's Jokgu teams across the country and increasing our experience through various exchange matches and national tournaments."

Jang Heeuk, secretary-general of the Busan Jokgu Association, said, "This is no longer the era when 'Sanseong Jokgu,' enjoyed at military bases or company outings, is talked about," adding, "Jokgu is no longer an exclusive sport for men, but is evolving day by day as a popular sport for women as well."

Currently, there are three women's Jokgu clubs operating in the Busan area. The 'Unique' team in Nam-gu, Busan, is the most active with about 20 members, while 'Ballro' in Seo-gu and 'The New' in Yeonje-gu are new teams challenging for the top spot.

Park Samcheol, president of the Busan Jokgu Association, said, "Now that Jokgu has become an official event at the National Sports Festival, we will strive to expand its base not only as an elite sport but also in school sports, club activities, and women's recreational sports."