'2023 Wheelchair Fencing World Cup and World Youth Championships' Successfully Concluded!

South Korean Team of 13 Competitors ... Wins 2 Gold, 3 Silver, and 4 Bronze Medals

August 30 - September 5, Busan Comodo Hotel, Paralympic Qualification

Busan City successfully concluded the ‘2023 Busan Wheelchair Fencing World Cup and World Youth Championships,’ held at the Busan Commodore Hotel from August 30 to September 5.

2023 Busan Wheelchair Fencing World Cup and World Youth Championships Opening Ceremony.

Hosted by World Abilitysport and organized by the Korea Disabled Fencing Association, this prestigious international wheelchair fencing competition was hosted in Busan for the first time in Korea.

A total of approximately 372 participants, including 300 athletes and officials from 27 countries, 22 international referees, 30 staff members, and 20 supporters, competed in thrilling matches.

In this tournament, Korea fielded 13 athletes who won 2 gold medals, 3 silver medals, and 4 bronze medals, securing valuable points for the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games and the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

The first medal for Korean athletes was a gold medal won by Kwon Hyo-kyung (affiliated with Hongseong-gun) in the Youth Epee Combined event.

Following that, Jo Eun-hye (affiliated with SK Ecoplant) won a silver medal in the World Cup Epee B event, and Jo Ye-jin (affiliated with Kolon FnC) earned a bronze medal in the World Cup Foil B event.

Despite limited training environments, these athletes overcame their handicaps and achieved excellent results at the World Cup, earning Korea qualification spots for the Paralympics.

The foreign teams visiting Busan expressed satisfaction with the tournament’s operation, which considered the needs of disabled athletes by reducing travel routes through accommodation and competition held at the Commodore Hotel near Busan Station, and by providing support from pre-assigned helpers during hotel movements.

They also enjoyed sightseeing Busan’s beautiful nature during breaks after matches.

Game scene.

Mayor Park Hyung-jun stated, “This event provided a great opportunity to directly promote Busan’s appeal, including the bid for the 2030 Busan World Expo and tourism, especially creating a significant momentum for expanding the base of disabled sports in Busan.” He added, “We promise to continue offering wholehearted support for international disabled sports competitions hosted in Busan.”

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