Korea Roller Sports chief rallies national team as deputy mission leader at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

With five days remaining until the closing ceremony of the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Korea Roller Sports Federation President Kim Kyung-seok has been playing an active role as deputy mission leader, keeping the South Korean delegation's spirits high both inside and outside the venues.

According to the Korea Roller Sports Federation, Kim arrived in Nagoya with the main delegation on Sept. 17 and began carrying out his duties as deputy mission leader in earnest after the opening ceremony. Alongside Jincheon National Athletes Village Director Kim Taek-su and two other deputy leaders, he has been moving from venue to venue from morning to evening to encourage national team athletes. He shared in the joy when medals were secured and offered warm words of support when results fell short.

With several sports struggling due to poor organization and inadequate support from the games organizing committee — problems that surfaced even before competition began — Kim asked federation officials visiting Nagoya to bring along a variety of ready-to-eat meals for the skateboarding team. On Wednesday, those meals were delivered to the hotel where South Korean athletes were staying, through the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee.

Ahead of the chuseok holiday, Kim also arranged for songpyeon and other traditional rice cakes to be brought in so athletes could feel a sense of comfort from home. After hearing from Korean Sport & Olympic Committee staff that the athletes were delighted by the unexpected holiday treat, Kim said, "As the head of a sports federation, I prepared these with the hope that our athletes — who are pushing through unexpectedly difficult conditions — could at least sit down, eat a proper meal without worry, and recharge, even if it's not home cooking."

Kim has not let his deputy mission duties overshadow his role as head of the federation governing skateboarding. He attended the skateboarding competitions held from Thursday through Sunday, cheering at the top of his lungs, and was there alongside the delegation when Kang Jun-i completed a dramatic comeback to claim a historic gold medal on the final day of the event.

During the games, Kim toured the park venue with Village Director Kim Taek-su and made the case for building a dedicated park course in South Korea, arguing that park athletes have just as much potential as their street counterparts and deserve a proper facility to showcase their skills. He said he hopes Kang's gold medal will serve as a catalyst for positive change.

Beyond his presence on the ground with athletes, Kim has also quietly supported Korean Sport & Olympic Committee staff and other personnel working behind the scenes for the national team, donating funds to recognize their efforts.

"I will keep doing everything I can until we return home on Monday, so that South Korea's athletes can compete without regrets, finish the games with strong results, and come back in triumph," Kim said, as he continues to make his rounds at the venues.