Korean Women’s Handball Team Seeks Rebirth at World Championship – A New Era Begins
Trier, Germany – November 19, 2023 – The Korean women’s national handball team has officially begun its campaign at the 27th World Women’s Handball Championship, leaving South Korea today and setting its sights on a tournament focused not just on results, but on demonstrating significant progress and potential. This breaking news comes as the team enters a period of rebuilding, aiming to reverse a concerning decline in recent international performance. This article is optimized for Google News and SEO to ensure rapid indexing and visibility.
Facing European Powerhouses in a Challenging Group
Drawn into Group H alongside formidable European opponents – Norway, Angola, and Kazakhstan – the Korean team faces an uphill battle. While acknowledging the strength of their rivals, Head Coach Gye-cheong Lee is prioritizing a shift in mindset. In a pre-departure interview, Coach Lee emphasized a desire to showcase improvement and instill confidence, rather than solely chasing victories. “Rather than good results, I want to show a good game, a game that can show the fans that I have improved a lot and that I have the potential to work hard,” he stated.
A History of Decline and the Road to Recovery
This emphasis on potential stems from a worrying trend in Korean women’s handball. Once consistently ranked within the top 10 globally, the team has steadily fallen in recent World Championships. From a peak performance before 2009, rankings slipped to 11th-14th between 2011 and 2021, culminating in a disappointing 22nd place finish in 2023 – their worst result since the competition began in 1978. This decline highlights the need for a long-term strategy focused on player development and rebuilding the program’s foundation.
Injury Concerns and a Younger Squad
Adding to the challenge, the team is traveling with a squad of 19 players, impacted by a wave of injuries. Several key players are unavailable, forcing Coach Lee to rely on a younger, less experienced roster. “There are many players who were injured and could not make the national team this year,” Lee admitted. “The World Championships require players with good physiques, but that was not possible this time.” Despite these setbacks, Lee expressed optimism about the team’s resilience and determination.
Strategic Focus: Angola as a Key Target
While Norway is considered a strong favorite – and the gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics – Coach Lee has identified Angola as a crucial opponent in the group stage. A victory against Angola could significantly improve Korea’s ranking and position them favorably for the main round. Korea has faced Angola in close contests in the past, losing 29-30 in 2011 and 31-33 in 2023, fueling a desire for revenge. “If we win against Angola, we can face an opponent with a slight advantage in the next (main round), so I think our rating will go up a lot,” Lee explained.
The Rising Threat of Japan and a Renewed Sense of Responsibility
Beyond the immediate challenges of Group H, the Korean team is also keenly aware of the progress made by their regional rivals, Japan. Japan defeated Korea in the final of the last Asian Championships, securing their own qualification for the World Championship. While a direct match-up is unlikely, Coach Lee is determined to ensure his team doesn’t underestimate the competition. He believes the younger players on the Korean squad possess an “invisible strength” and a strong sense of responsibility to revitalize Korean handball.
The team will begin their training camp in Tunisia before heading to Trier, Germany, where they will face Norway in their opening match at 4:30 a.m. Korean time on November 28th. Coach Lee’s final message underscores a commitment to fighting spirit and a renewed focus on development, hoping to inspire a new generation of Korean handball players and reignite national pride.
This World Championship isn’t about immediate glory for the Korean women’s handball team; it’s about laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. It’s a story of resilience, adaptation, and a determined effort to reclaim a place among the world’s elite. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of the 27th World Women’s Handball Championship and the Korean team’s journey.
[김용필 MK스포츠 기자]
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