Chongqing - On July 30, at the Paris Olympics, the Chinese table tennis pair Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha secured the mixed doubles gold medal by defeating DPR Korea's Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong with a 4-2 scoreline. Surprisingly, this table tennis duo from DPR Korea, often referred to as the "mysterious force" due to their frequent refusals to engage with the media, currently plays for Chongqing Zhongbin Sports' Chengxian Men's Team and Zhongbin Women's Team.
Ri Jong Sik (R)/Kim Kum Yong of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea compete during the mixed doubles gold medal table tennis match between Wang Chuqin/Sun Yingsha of China and Ri Jong Sik/Kim Kum Yong of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, on July 30, 2024. (Photo/Wang Dongzhen, Xinhua)
DPR Korea's secret weapon
Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong have been a revelation in the table tennis world at the Paris Olympics. They managed to beat formidable opponents from Japan, Sweden, and China's Hong Kong before succumbing to the Chinese team in the finals. Their habit of avoiding the media, combined with their impressive performances, earned them the title of the "mysterious force." According to Li Xiaoshuang, head coach of Chongqing Zhongbin Sports, the club had identified and recruited the DPR Korean pair earlier this year, recognizing their potential to bring a unique edge to the team.
The discipline and dedication of Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong have been noteworthy. Coach Li Xiaoshuang revealed that the duo adheres to a strict training regimen, starting their day around 5 a.m. with morning exercises followed by intense physical training sessions. Unlike many of their peers, they abstain from using mobile phones and other leisure activities, focusing solely on improving their skills.
Their rigorous training routine was evident during the 2024 China Jia A Table Tennis League in Jilin. They would begin their day early and remained on the sidelines even after official practice hours, ready to continue training as soon as a table was available. This relentless pursuit of excellence has seen them make remarkable progress since joining the Chongqing team, honing their techniques under the guidance of their coaches.
Bringing in international talents
The inclusion of international players like Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong has significantly elevated the competitive level of the 2024 China Jia A Table Tennis League. This year, the league featured top-tier players, including members of the Chinese national team. Coach Li emphasized the importance of bringing in international talent to compete against such high-level athletes. Besides Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong, the Chongqing team also recruited other skilled DPR Korean players to strengthen their ranks.
Despite the fierce competition, the Chongqing teams have performed commendably. Although they lost to the Shanghai team led by Liu Shiwen in the quarterfinals, the women's team displayed strong performances by defeating several top national players. The men's team, while finishing in 15th place, gained valuable experience.
The unexpected rise and disciplined approach of the DPR Korean duo have made a significant impact on the international table tennis scene. Their performance at the Paris Olympics and participation in the 2024 China Jia A Table Tennis League highlight their potential as formidable competitors. Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong's dedication to training and continuous improvement underscores the importance of hard work and discipline in achieving excellence in sports. Coach Li Xiaoshuang remains optimistic about their future contributions to the broader table tennis community and is confident that the Chongqing team's efforts will bear fruit in the long run.
(Jin Xin, a Chinese reporter, Wen Shenghan, an intern from Shangyou News, and Huang Lingjing, an intern from WCICO, also contributed to this article.)