Jayce
Victory Without Arrogance, Defeat Without Despair
Kang Kyung-jin, the resilient Korean coach, returns to lead the Chinese women’s doubles team, embracing new challenges with his promise to his “daughters” for Olympic gold.
Kang Kyung-jin
It is often said that the strong are unbreakable and the wise have limitless potential. Kang Kyung-jin has never forgotten his promise of an Olympic gold medal with his Chinese “daughters.” Firm in his resolve to start anew, he aims to prove that the path from defeat to victory can be triumphant, for success always favors those who persevere. “Learning has no end, and progress has no finish line,” says Coach Kang, as he and his “daughters” continue their relentless journey.
Back to Korea and Family Time
After the Tokyo Olympics, Kang Kyung-jin returned to Korea after more than two years to reunite with his wife and daughter. During a half-year period mainly spent resting, Kang no longer had to spend six and a half days a week in the training hall. He occasionally coached children and dined with friends, leading a regulated lifestyle. However, out of habit and concern, he frequently watched his team’s matches through live broadcasts.
Kang kept in touch with his “daughters” in China through chat apps, using the one-click translation feature to communicate seamlessly. Occasionally, he would video call Jia Yifan, showing her the “heartthrob” Lee Yong-dae dining with him. Despite being away from the Chinese team, Kang never forgot his promise of an Olympic gold medal with the Chinese women’s doubles team. However, the pandemic made it difficult for him to leave his family again.
The Call to Return
One day, Kang received messages from Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan: “We still want to keep trying. We hope Coach Kang can come back and lead us again.” Subsequently, Zhang Jun, Chairman of the Chinese Badminton Association, also invited Kang multiple times, hoping he would continue to lead the Chinese women’s doubles team. After a difficult decision-making process, Kang, with his family’s support, returned to the team last February. Along with Kang, his interpreter Wang Zhiqin also rejoined the team, saying, “With Coach Kang’s support for Chinese women’s doubles, I naturally support him fully as his interpreter.”
Back to China and New Challenges
Upon arriving in Chengdu, Kang inadvertently finished all the kimchi he brought from Korea during his quarantine. Fortunately, Jia Yifan and Zheng Yu frequently asked if he needed anything, taking care of his daily needs. “Coach Kang returned to China for us, sacrificing time with his daughter and wife. It’s only right to let him taste some food from home,” they said.
After the quarantine, Kang immediately started working with the team, addressing issues and making timely adjustments between matches. During the Uber Cup final in May, both Chinese women’s doubles pairs lost, and Kang saw Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan in tears after their matches. He knew the importance of team events to the players. For a long time, the pair struggled to regain their form. Kang encouraged them, saying, “Don’t dwell on past defeats. Learn from the experience and focus on the future. We’ll win again.” His efforts helped Chen and Jia regain their confidence, leading to seven titles in 2022.
A Renewed Focus on Team Chemistry
Returning to coach the Chinese women’s doubles team, Kang noticed closer relationships with his players. Unlike the two years before the Tokyo Olympics, he now has three years before the Paris Olympics to refine their skills and strategies. Previously, he trained the Chinese team using methods suited for Korean players. Now, he understands how to motivate his “daughters” better.
Facing the upcoming Olympic qualification tournaments starting in May, Kang reorganized the pairings, introducing four new combinations alongside Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan and Zhang Shuxian/Zheng Yu. Kang noted that their international performance last year was unsatisfactory, and reformation was necessary to boost their confidence. “In a competitive environment, the desire to win grows stronger. Regardless of which pair qualifies for the Olympics, this experience will help them grow. Last year we won seven titles; this year, our goal is ten,” he stated.
Looking Ahead
Kang recalls the Tokyo Olympics women’s doubles final, where he hugged Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan after their loss. Hearing them say, “Coach Kang, we didn’t play well,” he couldn’t hold back his tears, responding, “I failed you.” Reflecting on their preparation, he asserts, “Our hard work was worthy of a championship. I hope we can try again in Paris.”
Talking about his life with the Chinese team, Kang has become well-versed in Chinese culture. During overseas training in Chiang Mai, he noted that the shared living and training conditions strengthened their camaraderie. “After the Uber Cup, I felt immense pressure, often avoiding people,” he admitted. “But while comforting my players, I also unburdened myself.”
Team Cohesion and Future Plans
In the winter training in Lingshui, Cai Yun joined the women’s doubles group, epitomizing the team’s unity. Kang, who always listens attentively and takes notes during discussions, appreciates the support from the expert team members like Cai Yun.
This return sees Kang’s “daughters” grow from ten to twelve. During technical sessions, he accompanies them throughout, addressing individual needs with tailored approaches. “Players must fully exert themselves in training to achieve results,” he says.
Looking ahead to the busy 2023 season, Kang counts the Sudirman Cup in Suzhou, the Asian Games in Hangzhou, and the World Championships in Copenhagen. The goal for the Chinese women’s doubles team is to reach the top of the podium.
Family and Future Hopes
As time flies, Kang has spent another year with the Chinese women’s doubles team. He hopes his family can visit China to see his life and training environment. “My wife and daughter have never been here, so I want to take them to any city. They visited me in Malaysia last year and loved the Chinese hot pot. If they come to China, I’ll take them to try more Chinese cuisine, like Peking duck and Cantonese dishes.” He hopes this day comes soon.
