Korean boxing athlete to compete in Olympics in 68 years

Korean boxing athlete to compete in Olympics in 68 years. July. 20, 2016 07:01. by 유재영기자 elegant@donga.com. Korean boxing has resuscitated after facing disqualification risk at the Olympics in 68 years. The International Boxing Association decided Tuesday it picked Hahm Sang-myeong in 56 kilogram weight class as wild card for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Having won gold medal at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games in 56 kilogram weight class, Ham at AIBA APB at Barbas in Venezuela on July 6 had failed at the 56 kilogram weight class round eight for the Olympics qualification match. However, as one player gave up the wild card of 56 kilogram weight class that is given to No. 1 and 2 ranking players as well as the champions of 56, 60, 64, 69, 75 kg classes among the 10 classes, Ham got the chance. Hahm is currently ranked third at the 56 kilogram weight class as he made three wins in last year's APB.

Korean boxing thus succeeded in entering the Olympics consecutively since the 1948 London Olympics, excepting the 1980 Moscow Olympics where Western countries had not joined. "I will swing my fist as if my body crushes into dust. I will win gold medal," said Hahm, who will leave for Rio on July 27.