Veterans Sports Festival Opens Today... First Medal Challenge in Archery

Kim Kang-hoon and Jung Hyun-min Aim for First Ever Medal in Archery Competition

The South Korean delegation participating in the Invictus Games for wounded veterans entered the opening ceremony held on the afternoon of the 16th at Zuiderpark in The Hague, Netherlands. The Hague (Netherlands) = Joint Press Corps

[The Hague (Netherlands) Joint Press Corps · Asia Economy Military Specialist Reporter Yang Nak-gyu]The Republic of Korea national team participating in the global disabled veterans sports event, the 'The Hague Invictus Games,' attended the opening ceremony held at Zuiderpark in The Hague, Netherlands, on the afternoon of the 16th (local time), pledging strong performances alongside about 500 athletes from 17 countries.

The opening ceremony began at 6:30 p.m. in a specially arranged indoor venue with over 7,000 attendees, kicking off with an exciting percussion performance by the Dutch military band. Following the opening performance, the parade of athletes commenced, starting with the Canadian team.

Led by Kim Yoon-geun (73), a cycling representative and Vietnam War veteran, the Korean team, the oldest delegation in the tournament, entered the opening ceremony venue fifth, following Denmark, Romania, and Ukraine.

As the Dutch military band played 'Gangnam Style,' the athletes performed Psy's horse-riding dance, eliciting enthusiastic cheers and excitement from the large crowd.

Following the Korean team, the Australian, Iraqi, Polish, British, Georgian, German, Belgian, American, French, Italian, and Estonian teams entered, culminating with the host nation, the Netherlands, bringing the festive atmosphere to its peak.

Originally scheduled participants New Zealand, Jordan, and Afghanistan ultimately did not attend due to national circumstances.

The opening ceremony lasted about two hours, featuring performances and videos expressing gratitude and remembrance for the dedication and sacrifice of disabled veterans.

Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, delivered a welcoming speech, stating, "Sports unite everyone. That is the reason for the Invictus Games," and added, "Your stories are dreams and hopes, and as long as you keep dreaming, our spirits will not be broken."

Prime Minister Rutte especially mentioned the Ukrainian team, saying, "Some of your comrades may not be here because they are fighting on the front lines, but we want you to know that we stand with you," emphasizing, "Please know that we support Ukraine."

Prince Harry of the United Kingdom, founder of the 'Invictus Games,' said in his opening address, "Your stories give people the power to believe in themselves," and "Your actions have been proof that the impossible can become possible."

He further urged, "Whatever burdens you have carried and are carrying, please leave them all behind here at the Invictus Games," and "Let go of everything so far and move on to the next stage to show your best selves."

Prince Harry added, "You are our role models," and "Your stories, with unbreakable hearts, will be recorded in history."

Just before the opening ceremony, the Driving Challenge (off-road car race) took place, featuring swimmer Kim Young-bae (44) as driver and cycling representative Seo Jeong-guk (47) as navigator, marking the first participation of Korean athletes in this event. The gold medal went to the French team, silver to Romania, and bronze to Georgia.

The day before (the 15th), upon arrival in The Hague in the morning, the team visited Zuiderpark, where the main events are held, to check the competition conditions and complete preparations for the tournament.

Also on the afternoon of the same day, at the 'Nations Home' within Zuiderpark, a welcome reception was held attended by Prince Harry and his wife, The Hague Mayor Jan van Zanen, Dutch Defense Minister Christophe van der Maat, and Mart de Kruif, chairman of the Invictus Games organizing committee. About 2,000 disabled veteran athletes and officials from 17 countries mingled and exchanged naturally.

At the reception, the Ukrainian team, participating amid the war with Russia, attracted particular attention. When the Ukrainian team entered the venue, all participants, including the Korean team and those from the United States and the United Kingdom, stood and gave a standing ovation while chanting "Let's go Ukraine, let's go."

After official events such as Prince Harry's welcome speech, athletes from 20 countries naturally mingled, dancing to lively music and engaging in conversations to better understand each other.

Jeong Yeon-du, the Korean ambassador to the Netherlands, who attended the welcome reception to encourage the Korean team, said, "I am very pleased that our country's disabled veteran athletes are participating in the Invictus Games for the first time," adding, "Although it is the first participation, all athletes are participating passionately, raising expectations for good results."

Ambassador Jeong said, "Participation in the tournament itself has become an opportunity to elevate the status of the Republic of Korea," and "Other national delegations have also expressed happiness about the participation of the Korean team."

He added, "I will cheer for the athletes to safely and healthily complete their competitions during the tournament," and "Please do your best and perform well."

Meanwhile, on the 17th, archery competitors Kim Kang-hoon (37) and Jeong Hyun-min (28) will participate, aiming for the first-ever medal in history.

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