Paris Olympic Stars to Gather as 43 Countries Join
'2025 Gumi Asia Athletics Championships' Set for Record-Breaking Success
The 2025 Gumi Asia Athletics Championships, Asia's most prestigious athletics festival, will be held at Gumi Citizens' Stadium from May 27 to 31.
At the Gumi Asia Athletics Championships Success Pledge Citizen Report Meeting in Gyeongbuk, Mayor Kim Jangho is taking a photo with the mascot.
This event, which is being held in Korea for the first time in 20 years since Seoul in 1975 and Incheon in 2005, is expected to be the largest ever. It is anticipated that the event will establish Gumi as the new center of Asian athletics.
Initially, around 1,200 participants were expected, but with 43 out of 45 countries confirming their participation, a total of about 2,000 people will visit Gumi. Among them, 1,197 are athletes, and when including officials, referees, media, and other related personnel, the event will be the largest in history.
◆ Korean National Team Fields 115 Athletes ... Largest Delegation
Through the national team selection trials held in April, South Korea has assembled a team of 115 athletes, the largest among all participating countries. Japan will send 101 athletes, China 93, and India 89, with many of Asia's athletics powerhouses participating, setting the stage for fierce national competition.
The competition will feature medal contests in 45 events. As a prelude to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September, many Paris Olympic medalists are expected to participate. Top-tier athletes from around the world will gather in Gumi, promising the highest level of competition ever seen at the event.
◆ 'Woo Sanghyuk vs Barshim' ... Spotlight on the High Jump Showdown
The high jump is attracting the most attention. Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar, the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist and one of the world's top high jumpers, will compete, setting up a highly anticipated showdown with Korea's national record holder Woo Sanghyuk. This matchup is expected to be a major draw for the championships.
Kim Jangho, Mayor of Gumi (left), is taking a commemorative photo with athlete Woo Sanghyuk (center of attention in the high jump competition).
Other star athletes from various countries will also compete, including China's shot putters Song Jiayuan and Feng Bin, and Pakistan's javelin thrower Arshad. From Korea, promising sprinter Nalmada Joenjin, Gumi City Hall athletes Son Kyungmi and Joo Seungkyun, Kumoh High School's "High School Thor" Park Sihun, and national record holder Jo Harim will all compete for medals.
◆ Internationally Certified Stadium ... Boost to the Local Economy Expected
In preparation for the event, Gumi City obtained WA (World Athletics) Class 1 certification for its Citizens' Stadium, creating a world-class venue. The city also made comprehensive improvements, including installing additional electronic scoreboards, replacing lighting towers with LEDs, remodeling accommodations, and repaving major roads.
In particular, since all accommodations and meals for the participating teams will be provided locally, the event is expected to have a positive ripple effect across the local economy, including tourism, transportation, and dining sectors.
◆ Food Festa, Night Market, and More: Plenty to Enjoy
During the championships, a variety of side events will be held, such as Gumi's signature Romantic Night Market and the Dasian Food Festa, creating a cultural festival for both visitors and citizens to enjoy together.
Kim Jangho, chairman of the organizing committee and mayor of Gumi, stated, "As this is the largest event ever, we will do our utmost to ensure its success. We aim to use this opportunity to elevate Gumi into a global sports city."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
