Park calls for broader hockey participation, stable training environment for young athletes
Lawmaker Park Jeong-hyeon of the Democratic Party of Korea, representing Daejeon's Daedeok district, encouraged young hockey players to embrace challenge and growth, calling for continued support to expand the sport's grassroots base and promote youth athletics.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Seoul World Youth Hockey Championship at Jamwon Han River Park on Sunday, Park said she hoped the tournament would give players more than just competitive experience — offering them a chance to share skills and cultures and grow as athletes. She said young players should use sport as a means to learn the values of teamwork, respect and perseverance, and to nurture their ambitions toward bigger stages.
"I hope the sweat and effort you have put in will translate into a meaningful experience on the field today," Park said. "Beyond winning or losing, I hope you show respect for one another and give everything you have until the very end."
Park said the growth of youth sport cannot rest on individual effort alone, and that stable training environments, diverse competition opportunities and a systematic development framework must all be in place. She said hockey in particular needs a stronger bridge between school-level and elite sport so that more young people can discover the game and realize their potential.
Park said the experience of athletes from different regions and countries coming together to compete — building friendships and sharing memories through sport — is itself a valuable asset for young people.
"I hope the experiences and friendships forged here today become a solid foundation for your growth," she said. "I look forward to continued interest and encouragement so that young people who love hockey can keep chasing their dreams."
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