The Korean Sports Association announced on August 25 that it has been selected as the recipient of the 8th OCA Asia Sports Science Award, presented by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). This marks the first time in 27 years that a Korean organization has received this honor since the late Dr. Ha Kwon-ik was the inaugural awardee in 1999.
The OCA, established in 1982 in New Delhi, India, comprises National Olympic Committees (NOCs) from 45 Asian countries. The Korean Sports Association Medical Center earned this award for its clinical and research capabilities, as well as its achievements in international cooperation, particularly in providing medical support to national athletes, researching sports injuries, and engaging in international exchanges in sports science.
The Medical Center is responsible for injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and health management for national athletes. It also conducts research on the epidemiology and prevalence of sports injuries. The center has published its research findings in international journals, establishing a sports science system that links clinical practice and research. Additionally, it has consistently participated in international cooperation activities, including field training and medical supplies support for developing countries.
Yoo Seung-min, president of the Korean Sports Association, stated, "This award is a recognition of the efforts and expertise of the Medical Center's team, who have long been dedicated to improving the health and performance of our national athletes. Sports science is a key area that supports not only injury treatment but also prevention, rehabilitation, and overall health management throughout an athlete's career."
He added, "The Korean Sports Association is enhancing the professionalism and independence of the Medical Center by upgrading its existing medical science department. We are continuously advancing the medical support system for national athletes and plan to expand our advanced medical equipment, such as MRI and CT machines, to further strengthen the competitiveness of sports science in South Korea."
Furthermore, he emphasized the commitment to support the Medical Center in becoming a leading institution in sports science research and international cooperation, aiming to develop into a hub for sports science in Asia.
In light of this award, the Korean Sports Association plans to strengthen its medical support system for national athletes and expand its research and international cooperation in sports science.
Kim Hyun-cheol, head of the Medical Center, remarked, "This award reflects the long-term accumulation of clinical and research efforts in athlete health management and sports injury fields. We will continue to develop standardized protocols for injury prevention and athlete health management, linking our clinical experiences and research outcomes to an internationally applicable level."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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