Jeon Hyeok-jin, new hope for Korean men’s badminton

Jeon Hyeok-jin is new hope for badminton men’s singles that had been deemed the weakest in Korea’s national badminton team. At the Universiad Competition in Gwangju that ended on July 14, Jeon grabbed surprising two wins. At the men’s singles finals, Jeon beat Son Wan-ho, the best Korean player in men’s singles and world`s no. 8. Jeon again won Son last week at the Taiwan Open, proving a strong competence.

Jeon is currently competing at the nationwide summer badminton competition in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. “I’m getting more confident since I have been in the upper ranks in international games this year," Jeon said. "I have had no wins since I entered college last year. But I really want to win this time.”

Having ranked 188th in global rankings early this year, Jeon is now at placed at 88th. He jumped 100 notches in just six months, as he grabbed third, second and first places in Thailand, Malaysia and Japan, respectively, in the first half of this year.

Jeon started badminton since he was eight by being affected by his father who was member of a badminton club. He joined the national badminton team in 2013 when he was a high school senior. After winning a gold medal last year at the Incheon Asian Games men’s team play, Jeon grabbed two gold medals at the Universiad Competition, receiving sports pension at age 20. “Fellow players and seniors asked me to treat,” Jeon said in smiles.

Having strength in hair pins, Jeon is training more than six hours a day to make up for physical strength and footwork shortfalls. He said, “I want to join the world top 10, so that I can play in the Olympic Games.”

National team coach Lee Deuk-choon said, “Jeon has the potential to follow Lee Hyun-il and Son Wan-ho. He’s clever and clearheaded.”