Seoul, South Korea – Badminton star Kim Won-ho has been awarded the prestigious grand prize at the Korea Sports Council Sports Awards, recognizing his exceptional achievements throughout the 2025 season. The ceremony, held at the Taereung Training Center’s Champion House on March 13, 2026, celebrated Kim’s remarkable run, which included 11 BWF World Tour titles and a world No. 1 ranking in men’s doubles.
The Korea Sports Council Sports Awards, established in 1955, are presented annually to athletes who have made significant contributions to the development and promotion of sports in Korea. Ninety-three individuals and five organizations were honored across eight categories, including competition, guidance, and research. Kim Won-ho’s selection as the grand prize winner underscores his impact on the sport and his rising status on the international stage.
Kim Won-ho’s 2025 season was nothing short of dominant. He secured the men’s doubles title at the 2025 Paris World Badminton Championships, a pivotal moment in his career. His success extended to other major tournaments, including consecutive victories at the Jeon Young Open and the Malaysian Open earlier this year, demonstrating consistent high-level performance. The 26-year-old currently holds the world No. 1 ranking in men’s doubles alongside his partner, Seo Seung-jae, a partnership that has proven incredibly fruitful.
“I think it’s an award that gives you to work harder in the future,” Kim Won-ho said, according to the Korea Sports Council. “I’m honored to win the grand prize over prominent players.” He too expressed gratitude to Seo Seung-jae, acknowledging the crucial role his teammate has played in his success. “Thanks to Seung-jae, I was able to receive the Grand Prize at the Korea Sports Council,” Kim stated. “I wouldn’t be the person I am now without Seung-jae, who always thinks of me first.”
Kim’s achievements place him among a distinguished group of Korean athletes who have received the Korea Sports Council Sports Award grand prize. Previous recipients include archery’s Kim Woo-jin, swimming’s Park Tae-hwan, weightlifting’s Jang Mi-ran, and speed skating’s Lee Sang-hwa. This lineage of sporting excellence highlights the significance of Kim Won-ho’s accomplishment.
The awards ceremony also recognized other outstanding athletes and contributors to Korean sports. Ban Hyo-jin (shooting) and Choi Tae-ho (cycling) received top prizes in their respective categories. Lee Se-won (weightlifting), Jeong Seong-sook (judo), and Kim Eun-hee (refereeing) were also among the honorees. Beyond athletic achievements, the awards acknowledged contributions in guidance, research, and sports value, demonstrating a holistic appreciation for the Korean sports ecosystem.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, the ceremony coincided with the 107th National Winter Sports Festival, where Gyeonggi Province took the overall title, followed by Seoul and Gangwon. Kim So-hee (skialpine) was named the best player of the Winter Sports Festival. Special appreciation plaques were presented to singer Sean, actor Ma Dong-seok, and boxing director Park Si-heon for their contributions to Korean society and sports culture.
Korea Sports Council Chairman Yoo Seung Min expressed his gratitude to all athletes for their dedication and contributions, stating that the Sports Awards will continue to be a source of pride and honor for Korean athletes. The awards ceremony, a tradition since 1955, aims to boost morale and promote a healthy sports culture throughout Korea.
Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae are currently focused on maintaining their dominance in men’s doubles. Their next scheduled tournament is the [future tournament – needs verification], where they will look to continue their winning streak and solidify their position at the top of the world rankings. Fans can follow their progress and the latest updates on the BWF website: [https://bwfbadminton.com/](https://bwfbadminton.com/).
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