"We're finally going to the Asian Games we used to watch on TV." Korean table tennis players Kim Na-young and Ju Cheon-hee make their debut... Expectations also high for 'right-handed doubles' with Shin Yu-bin [Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

They are now stepping onto the Asian Games stage they once only watched on TV. Ju Cheon-hee (24, Samsung Life) and Kim Na-young (21, POSCO International), both making their debut, have begun preparing to continue South Korea's rising momentum in women's table tennis amid excitement and nervousness.

Ju Cheon-hee expressed her excitement after completing a public training session for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at the Oryun Hall in Jincheon Athletes' Village, North Chungcheong Province on the 30th, saying, "This is my first Asian Games, so everything feels new and fascinating."

Kim Na-young, who trained alongside her, also shared her honest feelings: "As we prepare for our first Asian Games, both nervousness and excitement coexist. We are training hard with the older players, and our physical condition is good."

Ju Cheon-hee, ranked 16th in the world, is a naturalized player originally from Shandong Province, China. She acquired South Korean citizenship in 2020 and became eligible to compete in international tournaments starting in 2021 under the Korea Table Tennis Association's naturalization rules, before beginning participation in domestic competitions in 2023.

At this tournament, she will team up with Shin Yu-bin (22, Korean Air) as part of South Korea's women's table tennis powerhouse duo, competing in individual singles, team events, and doubles. She aims to become the next naturalized player ace following Jeon Ji-hee (34), who previously served as Shin Yu-bin's doubles partner.

Ju Cheon-hee smiled when she said, "I don't think I need to feel burdened by (Jeon) Ji-hee unnie, as she has always performed well. I will do everything within my power and show all that I can as a national team member."

After a long wait, Ju Cheon-hee has finally earned the right to wear the Taegeuk mark and is now forming an unfamiliar right-handed doubles pairing with Shin Yu-bin. Unlike left-handed Jeon Ji-hee, both Ju Cheon-hee and Shin Yu-bin are right-handed players.

Ju Cheon-hee stated firmly, "I have already competed in three tournaments with (Shin) Yu-bin. Initially, our coordination was a bit off, but as we continued playing together, we've been improving. Since there is still time until the Asian Games, I believe we will get even better through more joint training."

Kim Na-young is a right-handed player known for her powerful backhand, quick footwork, and speed. She has shown gradual growth, including securing third place in the women's singles at the 2025 WTT Star Contender Muscat tournament, and has now realized her dream of competing in her first Asian Games.

Kim Na-young said, "Although I have experienced many major tournaments, the Asian Games is still new to me. I will prepare with even greater tension from the practice phase onward."

Both players could not hide their excitement about stepping onto the dream stage they had only ever watched on TV since childhood. Ju Cheon-hee and Kim Na-young smiled brightly as they said, "We used to watch TV and thought our older sisters looked so amazing. I wondered if I could perform well when I finally stood on the same stage, but time has passed and here we are. We will prepare even better and deliver good results."

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*This content was translated by AI.