Hapcheon County Achieves Outstanding Results at the 64th Gyeongsangnam-do Residents Sports Festival

First Place in Three Events, Second in Two Events,
Third in Six Events, Proving Status as a Sports Powerhouse

Hapcheon County in South Gyeongsang Province demonstrated its status as a powerhouse in sports by achieving outstanding results at the 64th Gyeongsangnam-do Residents Sports Festival held in Jinju, despite participating in fewer events than other teams.

At this event, Hapcheon County fielded a delegation of 424 athletes across 22 events. Through strategic athlete management and strong focus, the team achieved high rankings in major events and secured a top position in the overall score standings.

In particular, Hapcheon County solidified its reputation as a track and field powerhouse by taking first place overall in the track (track and marathon) events for the second consecutive year. The county also claimed first place overall in bowling, thanks to excellent performances. In addition, Hapcheon County finished second overall in soft tennis and gateball, and took third place overall in field athletics, tennis, judo, shooting, jokgu, and ground golf.

Hapcheon County, group photo at the closing ceremony of the 64th Gyeongsangnam-do Residents Sports Festival.

This year’s athletics events saw multiple athletes win titles in several disciplines. Cho Hyunji, a third-year student at Gyeongnam Physical Education High School, won gold medals in five events?400m, 800m, 1600m relay, mixed 1600m relay, and 10km marathon?becoming a five-time gold medalist and also receiving the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. In addition, Kim Minjeong from Gyeongnam Physical Education High School and Shin Mirim, a selected athlete from Hapcheon, each won four gold medals. Eleven athletes achieved triple or double crowns (including shooting), further demonstrating the strength of Hapcheon County’s athletics program.

Hapcheon County also showed improved results compared to the previous year in team ball sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, ssireum, and golf, proving its potential for further development. This is seen as evidence that Hapcheon County is pursuing balanced growth in all sports, rather than focusing on specific events.

Additionally, Hapcheon County was awarded the “Harmony Award,” a symbol of unity among cities and counties, gaining attention for its achievements outside of competition. During the festival, Yoon Dalhyeong, president of the county sports council, and a group of supporters visited the venues to encourage the athletes, which had a positive impact on morale and performance.

Yoo Dalhyeong, president of the Hapcheon County Sports Council, said, “Thanks to the pride and dedication of every member of our delegation representing Hapcheon County, we were able to achieve these valuable results. Building on this experience, we will work even harder to ensure Hapcheon County sports are recognized not only in the province but also on the national stage.”

Kim Yooncheol, county mayor, stated, “I deeply appreciate the passion and effort of all the athletes who achieved outstanding results at the Residents Sports Festival. I also sincerely thank everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this event a success.”