Thursday, 14 Nov 2024

News | BWF Olympics

With their recent successes in the last three tournaments, Kang Min Hyuk and Seo Seung Jae have set themselves up for an exceptional start to the Olympic year. As we approach Paris 2024, these world champions are poised to be strong contenders for Korea’s first gold medal in men’s doubles in two decades.

In a highly competitive category, where any of the top 15 pairs can beat each other, Kang and Seo stand out with their distinctive skills and playing styles. Seo’s dexterity as a lefty and his versatility on the court, combined with Kang’s solidity and power, make them a formidable duo. Over time, they have become more consistent as a pair, overcoming the challenges of the disrupted 2021 season due to COVID-19.

Their ability to perform on the biggest stages was evident at the World Championships, where they emerged victorious. They further showcased their winning ability at the end of the year during the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2023, defeating the then-top-ranked pair and home favorites, Wang Chang/Liang Wei Keng, in straight games.

Reflecting on their journey, Kang said, “We initially experienced a slump, but we focused on our attack and saw improvements in our performance. Our mental resilience has also improved.” Winning the World Tour Finals has not only boosted their confidence but also raised their expectations for future events. They are working diligently to maintain their level of play.

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The level of speed and aggression in men’s doubles has intensified, making it challenging to keep up with other pairs. Even a slight slip-up can lead to falling behind, so maintaining motivation is crucial. In 2024, Kang and Seo reached the semifinals of the Malaysia Open and clinched another title at the YONEX SUNRISE India Open 2024, where they defeated home favorites Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty in the final.

These two consecutive victories have restored the momentum they had after winning the World Championships. While there are several strong contenders for the gold medal in men’s doubles at the Paris Olympics, Kang and Seo’s recent performances have significantly elevated their prospects.

Seo shared, “We constantly push each other. We understand that our opponents are also putting in the hard work, which motivates us to work even harder.”

  • Q: How many titles have Kang Min Hyuk and Seo Seung Jae won in the last three tournaments?

    • A: Kang Min Hyuk and Seo Seung Jae have won two titles in the last three tournaments.
  • Q: What makes Kang and Seo stand out as a pair in men’s doubles?

    • A: Kang Min Hyuk’s solidity and power, combined with Seo Seung Jae’s dexterity as a lefty and his versatile skills on the court, make them stand out as a pair in men’s doubles.
  • Q: What major tournament did Kang and Seo win at the end of the year?

    • A: Kang Min Hyuk and Seo Seung Jae emerged victorious at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2023.
  • Q: How have Kang and Seo improved their game over time?

    • A: Kang and Seo have become more consistent as a pair, especially after overcoming the challenges faced during the COVID-19 disrupted season in 2021. They have focused on their attack and improved their mental resilience.
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Kang Min Hyuk and Seo Seung Jae, the world champions in men’s doubles, have had an impressive start to the Olympic year with two titles in their last three tournaments. They possess distinct skills and playing styles that set them apart from their competitors, making them strong contenders for Korea’s first gold medal in men’s doubles in two decades at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Despite the highly competitive field, Kang and Seo have demonstrated their ability to win on the biggest stages, including their triumph at the World Championships and victory over the top-ranked pair in the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2023. Their recent performances have elevated their prospects for the Olympics, and they continue to push each other to maintain their level of play.