Korea has a good tradition within the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup. They have qualified for all of the eight previous editions and have won the event twice, in 2001 and 2005. They also won silver in the inaugural event in 1989. A bronze medal was the team’s most recent podium place but they have high aspirations for this year’s event in South Africa.

As part of our series of interviews with participating teams, we caught up with Seona Kim, captain of the Korea U21 women’s national team ahead of her team’s participation in the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup 2022.

How do you feel about the prospect of playing in a Junior World Cup?

Seona Kim: ’This Junior World Cup is my first and last opportunity to attend. So I am very nervous but very excited as well.

What are your expectations of the Junior World Cup?

Seona Kim: ‘We are definitely expecting to get a good result, we are trying our best and we will put in a good effort, so we are expecting to win.’

Korea won this competition twice (2001, 2005); how do you look at this and will you use this for your preparations?

Seona Kim: ‘We are proud of that history and we think it is really wonderful. We will try our best to match these results.’

Is it your first time in South Africa and what are you excepting? 

Seona Kim: This is my first time in South Africa and it is also my first Junior World Cup. I am very excited to attend. I am really looking forward to a good result and really I am only thinking about bringing back  good result to my country.

How will you be preparing for the Junior Hockey World Cup?

Seona Kim: ‘We are having a lot of pre-tournament matches with different teams so we can improve our fitness and technique. That is what we are focusing on now.’

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