‘Future National Representatives’ in Training on Sangju Courts... Aspiring Badminton Stars Sharpen Skills at Winter Camp

Led by Coach Ha Taekwon
60 National Team Candidates Join Training Camp

Sangju City has once again solidified its position as a premier destination for sports training camps by hosting the national badminton team candidates for their winter training camp.

Sangju City (Mayor Kang Youngseok) announced that, starting January 19, winter training camps for the national badminton team candidates will be held at both the new and old gymnasiums.

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This training camp is led by Ha Taekwon, the former head coach for future national representatives and 2004 Athens Olympic gold medalist. A total of 69 participants, including 60 male and female high school national team players, coaches, and trainers, are taking part in the camp.

The athletes will follow an intensive program focused on physical conditioning and technical training, aiming to enhance both their performance and their sense of real-game competition.

During the training camp, Sangju City will provide comprehensive support to ensure the athletes can focus on their training in optimal conditions. In addition to offering the new gymnasium, which features top-tier facilities, the city will arrange for bus transportation, provide training equipment, and offer beverages and snacks tailored to the athletes’ needs.

The camp is also expected to have a positive impact on the local economy. As the athletes and staff stay in Sangju for an extended period, it is anticipated that the hospitality and food service industries, among other local businesses, will experience a boost in activity.

Mayor Kang Youngseok stated, "We will actively cooperate so that every athlete can focus on their training in the best possible condition and achieve excellent results."

The training will be conducted in two phases: the first from January 19 to January 27, and the second from February 13 to February 20. Citizens will have the opportunity to watch the training sessions from the gymnasium stands, offering a rare chance to witness elite sports up close.

Attracting training camps goes beyond simply hosting sporting events. The presence of the athletes generates local spending and strengthens the city’s brand, marking the beginning of a virtuous cycle between sports and the economy. As Sangju establishes itself as a training hub for aspiring badminton players, attention is focused on how the city will further expand its competitiveness as a sports city.