"I Will Show Badminton True to An Se-young"... 'Homecoming in Glory' An Se-young, Welcome Ceremony in Hometown

No Mention of the Association

It is literally a triumphant homecoming. The welcome ceremony for An Se-young (22, Samsung Life), who won the gold medal in the women's singles badminton at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was held on the 31st in her hometown, Naju, Jeollanam-do. It has been 23 days since her return.

On the afternoon of the 31st, An Se-young performed in response to the cheers of citizens at a welcoming event held at the Multipurpose Gymnasium of the Jeonnam Naju City Sports Park, her hometown.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to Yonhap News Agency and Naju City, the welcome ceremony took place at the Naju Sports Park Multipurpose Gymnasium. About 300 people, including Yoon Byung-tae, mayor of Naju, Shin Jung-hoon, member of the National Assembly, Lee Jae-nam, chairman of the city council, Kim Jae-eok, president of the Naju Sports Council, provincial and city council members, An’s parents, and citizens, gathered to cheer for An Se-young. The event proceeded in the order of presenting a flower necklace, welcoming remarks, delivery of encouragement money, welcome speech, presentation of a signed racket, and commemorative photo session.

Mayor Yoon said, "With an indomitable spirit, she achieved the great feat of winning an Olympic badminton gold medal for the first time in 28 years. She has elevated the status of both South Korea and her hometown Naju." He added, "I believe that overcoming adversity within the unreasonable structure of the Badminton Association symbolizes the spirit of Naju." He also officially promised, "We will actively promote the construction of the 'An Se-young Gymnasium' to honor her challenging spirit, designate an 'An Se-young Street,' and operate badminton classes for young aspiring players."

At the welcome event for athlete An Se-young, Mayor Yoon Byung-tae of Naju City and An are taking a commemorative photo.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

An Se-young responded, "It was because of the support from many citizens that I was able to dream and achieve my dream. I will strive to show badminton that is true to myself and can overcome myself, so I ask for your continued interest and support." She did not mention anything related to the Badminton Association. On this day, Naju City appointed An as an 'Ambassador of Naju.'

An, born in Naju, graduated from Gwangju Sports High School. Her father, An Jung-hyun, is a former amateur boxing athlete who participated in the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games and currently serves as the secretary-general of the Naju Sports Council. When his daughter showed talent in badminton while attending Naju Jungang Elementary School, he transferred her to Pungam Elementary School in Gwangju to receive coaching from Choi Yong-ho, the coach of player Lee Yong-dae, and she began formal badminton training.

An Se-young, who competed in the women's singles badminton at the 2024 Paris Olympics, became the second player after Bang Soo-hyun at the 1996 Atlanta Games and the first in 28 years to win the gold medal, truly ascending as the 'Empress of the Shuttlecock.' Since first reaching world No. 1 on August 1 last year, she has firmly held the top spot for 53 consecutive weeks.