S.Korean Handball Czar to Lead Chinese Girls to Win Title in Busan

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, October 11, 2002

S.Korean Handball Czar to Lead Chinese Girls to Win Title in Busan

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Chung Hyung-kyun, nicknamed "handball czar" by South Korean fans, has in a sense sunk into a dilemma as he vowed to lead the Chinese women's team to beat his compatriots in Busan for the crown at the 14th Asian Games.

But Chung, 47, told Xinhua in Busan that he did not think much about the delicacy. "In sports, only the stronger side can win. That is always the case."

Chung, also called by South Koreans "the coach for gold medals", had led the South Korean women's team to win the silver medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, the gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, the title of the 1995 world championships and the runner-up at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

The Chinese team, which ranked fourth at 1998 Bangkok Asiad, has advanced to the top two in Busan and will meet South Korea, which also earned a no loss record in its previous matches, in itsfinal game on Saturday.

There are five teams - South Korea, China, Japan, the DPR Koreaand Kazakhstan - registered for competing in the women's handball competitions in Busan. The five are going through round-robin clashes to decide the final winner.

Chung, wearing a Chinese national team jersey, said during a training course that although he is a South Korean, he is the head coach of the Chinese women's handball team now. "I don't think my image in South Koreans' mind will be ruined if China beat South Korea tomorrow."

Remarkable changes have emerged in the Chinese team since Chung began to direct it last September. "At that time, the Chinese teamhad many weak points, such as teamwork, stamina and tactics. But it had great potentials to become a world-class squad through scientific and hard trainings." Chung said.

Wang Tao, the Chinese goalkeeper coach, said, "Chung has brought the most sophisticated and advanced concept of tactics and the drilling methods to China."

"His training courses are full of wisdom. He often divides the whole tactics into individual technique to let every player to know what she should do at one moment." Wang said.

Chung also attaches great importance to the improvement of players' strength and stamina. In a training course, he always runs with the young players, shouting or even roaring. He sweats no less than any player.

"I feel a bit excited to re-step on my motherland. But I have to take more consideration of my team." Chung said.

"Our aim here is nothing but the gold medal. My next dream is to lead the Chinese team to claim the title in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games." he added.

"China, the most populated country in the world, boasts many sports talents and I am sure that the young players in my team will become world-class athletes in 2008." he noted.

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