Source: REUTERS/IVAN ALVARADO
[Saba Sports News] An Se-young, currently ranked as
the world’s number one in women’s singles badminton, showcased an impressive
performance at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where she clinched the gold medal in
the women’s singles category, rewriting the history of Korean badminton. An
Se-young’s achievements are not mere happenstance; they can be attributed to
her innate talent for nimble footwork, which she inherited from her boxing parents.
Her father, a former amateur boxer who participated in the 1994 Hiroshima Asian
Games, currently serves as the secretary-general of the Naju City Sports
Committee in South Jeolla Province. Likewise, her mother was also an amateur
boxer. Boxers place great emphasis on foot movement during their training, and
An Se-young’s parents have diligently trained her footwork since her childhood.
This has enabled her to showcase exceptional footwork during competitions while
conserving her physical energy. In her post-championship interview, An Se-young
expressed profound gratitude to her parents for their guidance and education.
In the editor’s opinion, proper footwork is crucial for executing various
batting techniques effectively. Without swift and accurate footwork, striking
techniques lose their sharpness and impact in the game. Consequently, mastering
swift and accurate footwork is a vital aspect of elevating one’s badminton
skills.