Asia Economy Yeongnam Headquarters & Busan MBC Co-Host
55 Teams, Over 400 Participants... Women's Division Event Included
The first nationwide sponsorship Jokgu tournament held in Busan, the Busan MBC-Sarangmoa Financial Services Cup 1st Excellent Team Invitational Jokgu Tournament, took place on the 3rd at the Daewoon Sports Field of Silla University in Sasang-gu, Busan.
From teenagers to people in their 70s, men and women of all ages participated in six divisions to compete in skills. This tournament was the first in Busan to be sponsored by a private company rather than local governments or sports associations.
Co-hosted by Asia Economy Yeongnam Headquarters and Busan MBC, the tournament was sponsored by Sarangmoa Financial Services and organized by the Busan Metropolitan City Jokgu Association. It was prepared to improve citizens' health and quality of life through Jokgu, as well as to expand the base of recreational athletes.
Attending National Assembly member Kim Dae-sik and the participating athletes are shouting "Fighting."
At the opening ceremony held at 10:30 a.m. that day, about 600 people attended, including National Assembly member Kim Dae-sik (Busan Sasang-gu), Sarangmoa Financial Services CEO Jeong Sang-ho, Busan MBC President Choi Byung-han, Busan Jokgu Association Chairman Park Sam-cheol and related officials, sponsors, various dignitaries, players, and their families.
In his congratulatory speech, National Assembly member Kim Dae-sik said, “It is very meaningful that excellent teams have the opportunity to communicate and unite through professional Jokgu techniques,” and added, “I hope everyone participating in the tournament can fully demonstrate the results of their efforts so far and that this moment will shine with everyone’s passion.”
All participating teams competed in six divisions: General Division J3~4 Combined Division (9 teams), Busan J5 (14 teams), Busan J6 (14 teams), 50s Division (8 teams), 60s Division (8 teams), and Women’s Division (2 teams), fiercely competing for the championship cup.
In this tournament, two teams participated in the Women’s Division and held an exhibition match, and middle school players nurtured as school sports by the Busan Office of Education participated in the J6 division, attracting attention.
Park Nam-sook, who participated as the Women’s Division Sun team and won the championship, said, “At first, it is difficult for women to learn, but if you keep practicing, there is no more enjoyable sport than this,” and added, “I hope for much interest and support so that women’s Jokgu can spread nationwide including Busan, and I expect this tournament to serve as a catalyst.”
The matches were conducted in a group league format in all divisions, with the top 1st and 2nd place teams from each group advancing to the finals, where the ultimate winner was decided through a knockout tournament.
The highlight match of this tournament, the General Division J3~4 Combined Division, was won by ‘Oryuk A’, with ‘Busan Jungang’ finishing as runner-up.
In Busan J5, ‘Hero B’ won the championship, and ‘Yeongsin’ took second place. In Busan J6, ‘Hansa’ won the championship, and ‘Jeonggwan Ace’ was runner-up.
In the 50s Division, ‘Sangsin’ won the championship, and ‘Buffalo’ was runner-up. In the 60s Division, ‘Jeungsan’ won the championship, and ‘BK Jokgu Club’ took second place.
The prize money for the J3~4 Combined Division was 600,000 KRW for the winner, 400,000 KRW for the runner-up, and 200,000 KRW each for the joint third places. Trophies were awarded to the top three teams.
The Busan J5 winning team received 400,000 KRW, the runner-up 300,000 KRW, and joint third places 150,000 KRW. For the remaining four divisions from Busan J6 to the Women’s Division, the winner’s prize was 300,000 KRW, the runner-up 200,000 KRW, and joint third places 100,000 KRW. In addition, individual awards and awards for excellent referees were also presented.
Park Sam-cheol, chairman of the Busan Jokgu Association, said, “First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to all the executives and employees of Sarangmoa Financial Services who participated in the first-ever private company sponsorship of a Jokgu tournament,” and added, “Jokgu, a traditional Korean ball game, has now established itself as a popular sport that anyone can easily enjoy and has developed.” He continued, “As a Jokgu enthusiast, I will devote all my efforts together with all club members and association officials with a sense of responsibility and mission until Jokgu is recognized as a national representative sport.”
Jeong Sang-ho, CEO of Sarangmoa Financial Services, which sponsored the tournament, said, “I hope this contributes to the globalization of K-sports, as Korea is the birthplace of Jokgu, and helps activate recreational sports,” and added, “We will support the Jokgu Association and Jokgu players to make this a traditional tournament.”
The 1st Excellent Team Invitational Jokgu Tournament, sponsored by 'Busan MBC-Sarangmoa Financial Services,' is taking place at the main stadium of Silla University in Busan.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
