"Why was Noh Si-hwan selected?" The indignant WC third baseman declares, "I will prove myself with my skills" with a confident ambition

*This content was translated by AI.

"I will prove myself with my skills."

Although he will wear the Taegeuk mark again and compete in the Asian Games, he faced some critical public opinion. Noh Si-hwan (26, Hanwha Eagles) confidently shouted back at these glances.

Noh Si-hwan secured a spot on the final roster of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games baseball national team as a wild card on the 11th.

Noh Si-hwan, who received a military service exemption after winning a gold medal at the Hangzhou Games three years ago, joined as a wild card along with Moon Bo-kyung (LG) based on the judgment that reinforcement was needed in the infield corner.

Ahead of the home game against the KIA Tigers held at Daejeon Hanwha Life Ballpark on the 11th, Noh Si-hwan met with reporters and shared his thoughts: "First of all, I am very happy and honored to be able to go out as a national team member every time. It is very good to play baseball together with the future of the Republic of Korea."

Unlike three years ago, he is stepping forward with the heavy responsibility of a veteran, both in terms of age and experience. "Back then, there were some older players, but now there are so many younger ones," he said, adding, "But I don't think there's anything else; I just need to have fun and come back."

It was news he could not even be sure of himself. Noh Si-hwan said, "Regarding joining the national team, I was 50-50, but I think there must be a clear reason why they selected me. I also know the reason well. My goal is to join the team with the juniors and come back wearing a gold medal."

The reason it was hard to be certain is not only because he is a player who has already resolved his military issues, but also due to his disappointing performance this season. In 54 games this season, he recorded a batting average of 0.255, 9 home runs, 38 RBIs, and 44 runs scored, but his 71 strikeouts rank second overall, and his on-base percentage (0.333) and batting average with runners in scoring position (0.203) are still disappointing.

Noh Si-hwan said, "I wasn't very nervous at the Hangzhou Games, but I think I will be nervous this time." He added, "Since I have to go with the juniors now, I feel the responsibility is growing. I think I will be more nervous than before, but I think it will be fun if I play well."

He was clearly diagnosing why he was selected. Noh Si-hwan said, "There are various reasons, but I think Manager Ryu Ji-hyun considered the defensive aspect as well. And I am a mood maker. I think it also means they want me to lead the players well once I go there. I don't know who will become the captain, but I want to join forces with the younger players and create one team. I want to definitely wear a gold medal in a good atmosphere."

After finishing the interview, Noh Si-hwan added a final remark. Saying, "I will say one more last word," he declared his resolve: "Many people around me are asking, 'Why was Noh Si-hwan selected?' or 'Why is Noh Si-hwan going?' I will simply and briefly say that I will prove myself with my skills."

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*This content was translated by AI.