Athletes Prepare for Aichi Nagoya Asian Games

Athletes are preparing for the upcoming Aichi Nagoya Asian Games, which will feature competitions across multiple venues in Japan. Surfing events will take place in Tahara, Aichi Prefecture, from September 19 to October 4. Japanese surfer Kanoa Igarashi is seeking a gold medal in the competition to secure a berth for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Igarashi, who won silver at the Tokyo Olympics, noted that the slower waves in Tahara require high technique for high scoring rides. He identified fellow Japanese surfer Connor O'Leary and Indonesia's Rio Waida as strong rivals.

While Nagoya is the main host city, all swimming races will be held at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre. South Korean swimmer Hwang Sun woo, who set an Asian record at the same venue during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, will compete in the 100m and 200m freestyle as well as the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relays. Hwang expressed a desire to win gold in the 200m freestyle by reaching the 1 minute and 43 seconds range. He also predicted a close race for the 4x200m freestyle relay crown between South Korea, China, and Japan.

Other members of the South Korean swimming team include 16 year old Kim Seung won, the national record holder in the women's 50m backstroke, and 20 year old Kim Young beom, the national record holder in the men's 100m freestyle. Kim Young beom stated that winning gold in the 100m is a realistic goal despite competition from Olympic gold medalist Pan Zhanle of China. Team captain Lee Ju ho, a backstroke specialist with six previous Asian Games medals, aims to become one of the few Korean swimmers to win medals at three consecutive Asian Games.