9th Mungyeong Asian Soft Tennis Championships Open with Spectacle, Olympic Inclusion Push
Mungyeong, South Korea – September 16, 2025 – The 9th Mungyeong Asian Soft Tennis Championships officially commenced today with an opening ceremony featuring athlete pledges, musical performances, and a call for the sport’s inclusion in the Olympic Games. The tournament, held in Mungyeong, South Korea, serves as a key preparatory event for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and the 2027 World Soft Tennis Championships in Mungyeong.
Eight events will be contested,including men’s and women’s singles and doubles,group exhibitions,mixed doubles,and a newly introduced mixed group exhibition. Korea is fielding 10 women’s teams led by Kim Yong-guk and 10 men’s teams led by Ko Bok-sung.
During a welcoming speech,Shin Hyun-guk expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the Asian soft tennis community,stating,”We invited Asian soft tennis people to Mungyeong,and we welcome them passionately.” He also voiced long-held aspirations for Olympic recognition, hoping the championship will bolster the sport’s profile.
Chairman Chung in-sun highlighted Mungyeong’s history of hosting international competitions and emphasized the city’s cultural attractions for visiting players. Asian Soft Tennis Federation Chairman Ando noted the meaning of the upcoming Asian Games in Nagoya next year,as well as potential future games in Qatar doha (2030) and Saudi Arabia Riyadh (2034),framing them as crucial opportunities for soft tennis to gain formal Olympic sport status.
Gyeongbuk Province Governor kim Hak-hong underscored the sport’s deep roots in Korean history,noting its growth alongside the nation’s modern and contemporary development. Lawmakers also delivered congratulatory addresses.
Athlete representatives Seo kwon (Incheon Sports Association) and Lee Min-sun (NH Nonghyup Bank), a three-time champion at last year’s Anseong World Championships, pledged to compete with integrity. Cambodian referee Sofia Jeong Kwang-seok also affirmed a commitment to fair officiating.
The opening ceremony concluded with performances by popular singers including elementary school trot sensation Hwang Min-ho, Park Gun – who is a special warfare ambassador – and Myjin, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
Preliminary rounds begin today, September 16th, with team finals scheduled for September 21st.
