Men's Handball Advances to Semifinals for First Time in 8 Years After Defeating China

The men's handball national team advanced to the semifinals of the Asian Games for the first time in eight years.

The national team led by coach Youngshin Cho won against China 32-26 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games held on the 26th at Kasugai Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Organizing Committee of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

The team, led by head coach Youngshin Cho, defeated China 32-26 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games held at Kasugai Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, on September 26, 2026. With this victory, the national team reached the semifinals for the first time in eight years, since earning a bronze medal at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games.

South Korea pulled ahead early in the first half, turning a 5-5 tie into an 8-5 lead thanks to a driving goal by Kim Jinyoung (Sangmu), followed by three consecutive points from Jeon Jinsu (Incheon Urban Development Corporation) and Yeon Minmo (Hanam City Hall). Holding a 16-12 lead at halftime, the team maintained its advantage and, with about five minutes left in the second half, extended the score to 30-22 with two 6-meter shots by Park Sewoong (SK Hawks) and a 9-meter goal by Kim Rakchan (Incheon Urban Development Corporation), effectively securing its place in the semifinals. Kim Rakchan and Park Sewoong both scored six goals to lead the offense, while Kim Jinyoung and Lee Yosep (Incheon Urban Development Corporation) each contributed five goals.

On September 28 at 5:30 p.m., South Korea will compete for a spot in the final at the Entrio in Inazawa, Aichi Prefecture, against the winner of the Qatar-Iran match. Analysts expect Qatar, who won three consecutive titles through the 2022 Hangzhou Games, to be the likely opponent.

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