[Official] 'Even Leaving the Court, G.O.A.T' Kim Yeon-koung, First-Ever Gong Ro-sang (수상) of Asian Volleyball Confederation... "Showed the Spirit of Asian Volleyball"

*This content was translated by AI.

Even after leaving the court, Kim Yeon-koung (38) remained the G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time).

At the 1st Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Gala Awards held in Bangkok, Thailand on the 8th, Kim Yeon-koung received the inaugural Special Award (Merit Award), recognizing her unparalleled dedication and leadership as an ambassador.

Through its invitation letter, the AVC stated, "Kim Yeon-koung is a figure who truly embodies the spirit of Asian volleyball. Her achievements and leadership continue to inspire young athletes across Asia and around the world," expressing deep gratitude.

Taking the stage that day, Kim Yeon-koung shared her thoughts: "It is a great honor to receive such a meaningful and special award. I am even more delighted to be part of the 1st AVC Gala Awards. I sincerely thank Chairman Ramon Suzara and all those involved for creating this special occasion."

She continued, "I also extend my gratitude to fans who have consistently offered their love and support throughout my playing career. Moving forward, I will do my utmost to contribute not only to the development of volleyball but also to the next generation of players who will carry the torch. Thank you."

Even after retiring from the court, Kim Yeon-koung has taken on multiple roles—including KYK Foundation Lee (President), Hana Life Advisor, AVC Ambassador, and co-owner of the San Francisco team in the USA Women's Professional Volleyball League (LOVB)—to promote the value of volleyball and expand its reach.

A representative from Kim Yeon-koung's agency, Ryan At, stated, "We plan to continue providing comprehensive support for Korean volleyball, youth development, and global volleyball exchanges in various ways."

Meanwhile, this year's AVC Gala Awards selected the best Asian volleyball players and coaches of 2025 based on pre-voting results from approximately 400,000 fans. In the men's category, Yuki Ishikawa was named Best Male Player; in the women's category, Mayu Ishikawa received the award for Best Female Player. In the Fan's Choice category, Zhu Ting and Brian VKoo Na-seu-ga (수상) demonstrated their immense popularity.

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*This content was translated by AI.