11-Year-Old Champion Responds to "Is Puyo Puyo a Sport?" Question: "It's Difficult"

Kang Dongsin: "I don't believe any side is entirely right"

At the official press conference for the medalists of “Puyo Puyo Champions,” one of the eSports categories at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, an 11-year-old elementary school gold medalist was asked about perspectives that do not recognize eSports as part of the sports domain.

Asian Games eSports 'Puyo Puyo Champions' medalists. Silver medalist Kang Dongsin (left) and 11-year-old gold medalist Yukihara Guri (Japan). Photo by Yonhap News Agency

At the conference held on September 26 at Sky Expo in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, a reporter asked the medalists, “What are your thoughts on the fact that some still do not consider eSports as part of sports?”

Yukki Gurihara, the 11-year-old elementary student from Japan who won the gold medal in this event—breaking the record for the youngest medalist in Asian Games history—replied, “That’s a difficult question. I’ll pass.”

Guo Ziyang from Taiwan, who took the bronze medal, commented, “Perspectives may differ on whether it is a sport, but if you look at eSports as a competition, I believe it is a very suitable event for the Asian Games. Especially if it’s a popular game, it can inspire many people just like traditional sports.” Another bronze medalist, Thanarak Wongkitikun from Thailand, said, “Many people enjoy gaming, and I think games can be recognized as a sport where skills are tested.”

Kang Dongsin, who secured the silver medal, stated, “There are a variety of opinions. If you distinguish between those that are valid and those that are not, I think you can reach a clear conclusion. Personally, I don’t believe any position is entirely right.”

eSports made its debut as a demonstration sport at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games, and later became an official medal event at the 2022 Hangzhou Games. However, debates continue over whether eSports can truly be considered a part of traditional sports. Critics who do not recognize eSports as sports point out that, compared to conventional sports, eSports lacks physical activity. Moreover, since eSports utilizes commercially developed and owned games as competition platforms, game rules or even the future of the games themselves can be affected by the decisions of game companies, which also draws criticism.

On the other hand, proponents for including eSports as a sport highlight that there are events like chess and Go, where judgment and strategy are crucial, and that eSports players compete based on their split-second decision-making, reaction speed, and strategic execution.

Earlier, the global franchise star Lee Sanghyeok—known as 'Faker' and representing the eSports scene for “League of Legends” (LoL)—responded to a similar question by saying, “There’s a preconception that sports require physical movement. However, more importantly, if our games and the preparation process have a positive impact on many people, and if our competition inspires others, that is the true meaning of sports.” He was evaluated as making a sincere argument for eSports to be officially included in events such as the Olympics.

However, in Korea, controversy over eSports being accepted as an official category is expected to persist, especially since Asian Games medals are linked to benefits such as military service exemption and sports annuities.

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