This intersection of sport and spirituality is providing a unique opportunity for religious groups to engage with the public and promote their beliefs. (Image courtesy of the Korean Olympic Mission)
SEOUL, Aug. 12 (Korea Bizwire) – As South Korea celebrates its impressive performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the country’s religious communities are joining in the festivities, highlighting the achievements of athletes who share their faiths.
This intersection of sport and spirituality is providing a unique opportunity for religious groups to engage with the public and promote their beliefs.
According to the Korean Olympic Mission, a Christian organization conducting outreach at the Paris Olympics, 22 Christian athletes competed across 13 sports, with six securing medals.
Notable performances include Oh Sang-uk’s double gold in men’s fencing and An Se-young’s gold in badminton. Kim Min-jong claimed silver in men’s judo, while Kim Ha-yun, Kim Ji-su, and An Ba-ul each won bronze in their respective judo events.
The Buddhist community is equally jubilant about the accomplishments of its adherents.
Kim Woo-jin, a prominent Buddhist athlete and former scholarship recipient from the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism’s sports association, made history by becoming the first male archer to win three gold medals at a single Olympics.
The Buddhist community attributes his success, in part, to the mental stability provided by his faith.
Gu Bon-gil, another Buddhist athlete, contributed to the gold medal in the men’s sabre team event.
Earlier this year, Gu received the “2024 Buddhist of the Year” award, cementing his status as a role model within the Buddhist community.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
