*This content was translated by AI.
"It doesn't feel like it carries any special significance."
Ahead of the 2026 Aichi·Nagoya (Japan) Asian Games, An Se-young (Samsung Life) responded this way when asked whether the Asian Games hold a different meaning compared to other international tournaments. This was said at the media day for the Bae Deu-min-teon (CEO) team held on the 8th at the national athletes' village in Jincheon, Chungcheongbuk-do. For An Se-young, this tournament represents an opportunity to achieve back-to-back double crowns at the Asian Games and become the first Korean woman to win two consecutive singles titles. Yet she insists that she does not attach any special significance to it.
An Se-young stated, "Having competed in so many tournaments and played so many matches, I see the Asian Games as just another foreign competition." Due to the nature of her sport, there are numerous international events, so she naturally views the Asian Games as part of that broader landscape. In fact, this media day took place just two days after An Se-young secured a "perfect sweep" at the China Masters final.
This reaction may come as somewhat unexpected given that many other athletes have expressed firm determination ahead of the Asian Games, unable to hide their excitement and nervousness. However, beneath An Se-young's candid statement that "the Asian Games don't feel particularly special" lies her intention to minimize pressure as she approaches the tournament.
An Se-young is widely considered the strongest contender for gold in women's singles badminton at this tournament. With an impressive record of 49 wins and just one loss, boasting a win rate as high as 98%, she has demonstrated overwhelming skill. An Se-young herself said, "Unlike three years ago (at the Hangzhou Games), I am receiving many expectations this time, and I believe I can deliver them. As many people are expecting great things from me, I will do my best to enjoy it."
While she is full of confidence, pressure naturally increases as well. Winning gold has become an expected outcome, and failure would mean facing significant backlash alone. In this context, her hint that the Asian Games hold no special significance may reflect her determination to reduce even a small amount of pressure.
This is also the heartfelt wish of Bae Deu-min-teon (CEO) team head coach Park Ju-bong. Coach Park stated, "If players don't treat the Asian Games as something extraordinary but instead view it as just another international tournament they've participated in over the past year, they might be able to compete without feeling burdened. I plan to communicate with the players during the remaining time to help them convert any pressure into confidence."
While aiming to reduce pressure, An Se-young's sole goal remains clear: defending her title. She will compete in both the women's team event and the women's singles at this tournament, challenging for back-to-back double crowns. The women's team final is scheduled for the 24th, and the women's singles final on the 29th. An Se-young remarked, "If there is anything special about the Asian Games, it is that we go there to Na Ra-reul (CEO), and when we step onto the podium (win gold), our national anthem plays." She added, "I will do my best this time as well so that our national anthem can be played again."
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*This content was translated by AI.
