Jindo Youth Baseball Hopefuls Shine on International Stage in Japan

About 20 Elementary and Middle School Students Form Jindo Arirang Sports Club
Gained Practical Experience with 2 Wins and 3 Losses in First International Tournament

The Jindo Arirang Sports Club baseball team, composed of young hopefuls from Jindo County in the Jeonnam-Gwangju Unified Special City, participated in an international tee ball tournament held in Japan. By competing with overseas players, they both gained valuable international experience and took on the role of informal sports ambassadors, actively promoting Jindo to the world.

Jindo baseball prospects showcased their future skills by participating in the Asia Open Tee-ball Tournament. Provided by Jindo County

The baseball team joined the "17th Asia Open Tee Ball Tournament (in ANAN JAPAN 2026)" held in Japan from August 20 to August 25, having been invited by the Asia Tee Ball Federation.

This year's tournament featured a total of 44 teams from various Asian countries, including Japan, Taiwan, Mongolia, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, all competing to showcase their skills.

Despite facing the challenge of participating in their first-ever international tournament, the club finished with two wins and three losses, gaining practical experience against overseas players.

In particular, local elementary and middle school students could directly participate in the international tournament, giving them the opportunity to encounter diverse playing styles and interact with athletes from other countries. This experience not only improved their skills but also boosted their confidence and sportsmanship.

The baseball team was founded on January 2, 2017, and is currently led by head coach Bonggyun Kim, a former player for the Haitai Tigers.

Currently, about 20 players, including elementary and middle school students, are part of the team. They continue their training primarily at the Jindo Public Sports Ground, nurturing their dreams of becoming professional baseball players and coaches.

Much of the effort to participate in this international tournament was also made by both the athletes and their parents.

Head coach Bonggyun Kim stated, "Since it was the first international tournament, the players must have been very nervous, but I am proud that they achieved meaningful results against such strong teams. Without support from the association, covering the entry fees and expenses was a challenge, but thanks to the proactive support from the parents, the tournament concluded successfully."

He added, "I hope that in the future, both the association and local governments will pay more attention so that the children can gain experience and pursue their dreams on a bigger stage."

The club plays a role not only in nurturing athletes but also in connecting sports with the local economy by hosting regional tournaments and attracting training camps.

At the end of every November, the club hosts the "Jindo Sports Association President’s Cup Jeonnam-Gwangju Unified Special City Youth Baseball Tournament" at the Jindo Community Baseball Field. By attracting training camps and similar events, it is reported that around 400 players and family members visit Jindo annually.

According to the county, these visitors participate in games as well as visit tourist attractions, local accommodations, and restaurants, thereby enabling youth sports to contribute in part to stimulating the local economy.

The county plans to review measures to support local youth athletes so they can train in more stable environments and compete both nationwide and internationally, using this international tournament as a springboard.

Jindo County Mayor Lee Jaegak said, "I would like to thank the athletes and coaches who promoted Jindo and brought back valuable experiences by participating in the international tournament. Jindo County will work together to devise concrete support measures so that the young baseball hopefuls in the region can achieve their dreams on even bigger stages."

Currently, the Jindo Arirang Sports Club baseball team includes players such as Seongjin Park from Uishin Middle School, Jimin Kwon from Gunnabuk Middle School, Chaemin Song and Junyoung Heo from Goseong Middle School, Seou Yoon from Jindo Middle School, and Minseong Kwon, Myungjin Kim, Minjun Kim, Dohyun Park, Seongmin Lee, Jihoon Song, Seojun Kim, Yujae Moon, Minseong Joo from Jindo Elementary School, as well as Siwoo Son from Gunnabuk Elementary School.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.