Team Korea (South Korea) athletes perform cheerleading at the ICU World Cup Cheerleading Championship.
SEOUL, Nov. 24 (Korea Bizwire) – The Cheerleading World Cup Seoul 2024, which began on November 22, concludes today at the Handball Stadium in Seoul Olympic Park. The international event saw participation from over 1,000 athletes representing 22 countries, including the United States, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Poland.
Polish athletes perform cheerleading at the ICU World Cup Cheerleading Championship.
Cheerleading, which originated in the 1880s as a chanting tradition to support Ivy League football teams, has since evolved into a vibrant sport. Gaining momentum through televised events on CBS and ESPN in the 1970s, cheerleading grew into a global phenomenon fueled by its dynamic stunts, jazz, hip-hop routines, and dazzling performances. Today, it captivates audiences worldwide, particularly among Generation Z, as both a sport and a performing art.
Japanese athletes perform cheerleading at the ICU World Cup.
The competition featured 21 categories across cheerleading and performance divisions, encompassing age groups from youth to senior levels. Athletes showcased their skills in a heated contest that began with preliminary rounds and culminated in finals. South Korea fielded 300 national team athletes across 14 events, displaying high-caliber routines honed through intensive training.
Philippine athletes showcase their cheerleading skills at the ICU World Cup Cheerleading Championship.
The Cheerleading World Cup, first established in 2023, marks a significant milestone in the sport’s 130-year history. South Korea was selected as the host nation for three consecutive years following a comprehensive evaluation by the International Cheer Union (ICU).
As the event closes, it reinforces the global appeal of cheerleading and Seoul’s growing reputation as a hub for international sports and cultural events.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
