North Korea’s Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong surprised the table tennis world by clinching the silver medal in the mixed doubles event at the Paris Olympics. The duo, who had not participated in many international competitions, managed to defeat higher-ranked opponents to reach the final before falling short against the Chinese pair Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha. Much of their success is attributed to their exceptional skills and Kim’s unconventional choice of rubber on her paddle.
Despite their lack of media exposure, Ri and Kim have shown great determination and ambition to succeed on the Olympic stage. In a brief press conference after their silver medal win, the duo expressed their commitment to improving and striving for the gold in future competitions. Kim’s unique style of play, using long pimpled rubber on her paddle, caught many top players off guard and contributed to their surprising success in Paris.
Little is known about Kim Kum Yong and Ri Jong Sik, but their remarkable journey to the Olympic final as the underdogs has captured the attention of the table tennis community. Their victory over defending champions Japan and a hard-fought win against Hong Kong’s Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem highlighted their tenacity and skill on the court. The fast-paced nature of mixed doubles, with constant position changes, added an extra challenge that the North Korean pair overcame with resilience.
North Korea’s absence from the Tokyo Olympics and subsequent suspension from the Beijing Winter Olympics due to Covid-19 concerns have not deterred Ri and Kim from showcasing their talent on the global stage. The Chinese team, known for their dominance in table tennis, even sought assistance from a former player with a similar style to Kim for last-minute practice before the final. Sun Yingsha, one half of the gold medal-winning Chinese pair, praised the North Korean team for their relentless determination and fighting spirit on the court.
Moving forward, Ri and Kim have set their sights on continued improvement and a quest for the gold medal in future competitions. With their unexpected success in Paris, the North Korean pair has proven that hard work, skill, and a touch of unpredictability can lead to great achievements in the world of table tennis. Their silver medal win has put them on the map as formidable competitors to watch out for in upcoming tournaments, inspiring hope and pride in their country that missed out on the past two Olympic Games.
