Korean Women's National Junior Curling Team Prepares for 2024 World Junior Championships in Finland
As the 2024 World Junior Curling Championships in Lohja, Finland, draw near, a group of dedicated young athletes from Korea's Women’s National Junior Curling Team is sharpening their skills in Canada. The team, composed of up-and-coming curlers, has spent the past few weeks training in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, seeking to gain crucial experience and improve their performance ahead of the highly anticipated competition.
The decision to train in Canada comes as part of the team's strategy to take advantage of the country's world-renowned curling culture and facilities. By practicing on Canadian ice, the Korean curlers are not only getting more ice time but also competing against some of the top junior teams in the world. The experience gained here is expected to be invaluable as they prepare for the World Junior Curling Championships, which will take place in Finland from December 8-19.
Training in Manitoba: Focus and Quality Ice
One of the key locations for the team’s training has been the rink in Lorette, Manitoba. Here, the team has found a perfect environment for focused practice. The smaller, quieter setting of the rink, away from the hustle and bustle of larger venues, has allowed the curlers to concentrate on refining their skills without distractions. Coach Youngil Kwon has praised the quality of the ice in Lorette, noting that it provides excellent conditions for the team to practice and prepare for the upcoming championship.
"We’ve really enjoyed training in Lorette," said Kwon. "The ice conditions are fantastic, and the more private, less crowded setting allows us to work on the finer details of our game. It’s been a great place to focus on improving our communication and teamwork, which are key areas we want to enhance before the tournament."
The team has been particularly focused on developing better communication and team dynamics. Inspired by the positive, collaborative culture that defines Canadian curling, the players have made improving their on-ice communication a priority. Curling, often referred to as the "chess on ice," requires precision and strategy, and effective teamwork and communication are essential for success.
Next Stop: Saskatchewan
After two weeks in Manitoba, the team will continue their training in Saskatchewan, another province known for its strong curling tradition. The move to Saskatchewan will provide the players with additional opportunities to practice on different ice conditions and further refine their game.
"The goal is to expose the team to as much variety in ice conditions as possible and to continue to learn from some of the best teams in the world," said Kwon. "Every rink offers something different, and we want to be ready for anything when we get to Finland."
Looking Ahead to Finland
The 2024 World Junior Curling Championships will take place in Lohja, Finland, from December 8-19. The event is not only a major international competition but also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 World Junior Championships, adding extra significance to this year’s tournament.
For the Korean team, this competition will be an important step in their development. As younger players, the opportunity to compete against top junior teams from around the world will provide valuable experience and serve as a platform for future success in the sport.
"We know that the competition will be tough, but we’re excited for the challenge," said Kwon. "Our goal is to gain as much experience as possible, improve our skills, and bring back lessons that we can use for future competitions."
The Road to the 2025 World Junior Championships
While the team’s primary focus is on the 2024 World Junior Curling Championships, the outcome of the tournament will also have a direct impact on their chances to qualify for the 2025 World Junior Championships. The top teams from the event will earn spots for the next year’s tournament, making this year’s competition a key stepping stone for the Korean curlers' continued growth and development in the sport.
As the team prepares to head to Finland, their time in Canada has already been marked by significant progress. With the support of their coach and the lessons they’ve learned from training in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the Korean Women’s National Junior Curling Team is poised to make a strong showing on the international stage.
The road to curling success is long, but with dedication, teamwork, and a strong work ethic, this young team is taking the right steps to secure their place among the world's best.
