Co-hosted by Asia Economy Yeongnam Headquarters and Busan MBC
Organized by Busan Jokgu Association, held at Silla University
Competition in six divisions including General, 50s, 60s, and Women's
The 1st Invitational Jokgu Tournament for Outstanding Teams, sponsored by Sarangmoa Financial Service and jointly hosted by the Asia Economy Yeongnam Headquarters and Busan MBC, will be held on November 3 at the main stadium of Silla University in Busan.
This tournament, supported by Sarangmoa Financial Service and organized by the Busan Jokgu Association, aims to enhance citizens' health and quality of life through jokgu matches and to broaden the base of jokgu players of all ages and genders. Silla University is also participating as a sponsor by providing the venue for the event.
The opening ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. at the stadium, with around 500 participants including distinguished guests, sponsors, members of the Busan Jokgu Association, players, and their families, all gathering to celebrate the unity of jokgu enthusiasts and the development of sports for all.
Participating teams will compete in six categories: General J3~4 Combined Division (12 teams), Busan J5 (24 teams), Busan J6 (24 teams), 50s Division (12 teams), 60s Division (12 teams), and Women's Division (6 teams), all vying for the championship trophy.
The scene of the jokgu match at the citizen sports competition held on the 6th at the jokgu field in Hwamyung-dong Ecological Park, Busan.
Notably, in this tournament, middle and high school youth players, fostered as part of school sports by the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education, will compete in the J6 division, drawing attention as they face off against older jokgu enthusiasts, including fathers and grandfathers. Several women's teams will also join, further promoting jokgu as a popular recreational sport enjoyed by both men and women.
The tournament will proceed even in case of rain. Each division will have a group stage, and the top two teams from each group will advance to the finals, where the ultimate winners will be determined through a knockout format.
Trophies will be awarded to the top three teams in each division. The championship prize for the J3~4 Combined Division is 600,000 KRW, with 400,000 KRW for the runner-up, and 200,000 KRW each for the two teams tied for third place.
The winning team in Busan J5 will receive 400,000 KRW, the runner-up 300,000 KRW, and the two third-place teams 150,000 KRW each. For the remaining four divisions, from Busan JC6 to the Women's Division, the championship prize is 300,000 KRW, the runner-up receives 200,000 KRW, and the two third-place teams receive 100,000 KRW each. In addition, individual commendations and awards for outstanding referees will also be presented.
Park Samcheol, president of the Busan Jokgu Association, said, "I would like to express my gratitude to the organizers and sponsors who have supported the promotion of jokgu, which originated from chukguk, a martial art training method during the Three Kingdoms period, and the traditional folk game jegichagi, and has now established itself as a modern K-sport."
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