ITF NH NongHyup Bank International Women’s Tour: Rising Stars and Global Ambitions

The ITF NH NongHyup Bank International Women’s Tour event in Goyang marks the latest stop on the ITF World Tennis Tour, a critical proving ground for aspiring professionals. Held at the NH NongHyup University All-One Tennis Park, this $25,000 tournament (as confirmed by the ITF’s official tournament calendar) offers ranking points and prize money that can propel players toward WTA Tour qualification.

Key Details and Schedule

• Venue: NH NongHyup University All-One Tennis Park, Goyang, South Korea
• Surface: Hard (outdoor)
• Start Time: 10:00 AM KST (UTC+9) on April 29, 2026
• Draw Size: 32 players in singles, 16 teams in doubles
• Prize Money: $25,000 (singles winner earns $3,935 and 50 ITF points)

The tournament features a mix of local Korean talent and international players, with the field including several athletes ranked inside the top 300 in the world. According to the ITF’s player database, the top seed is Park So-hyun (KOR), currently ranked No. 187 in the WTA singles rankings. Park, a former junior standout, has been climbing the rankings steadily and will be looking to secure her first ITF title of 2026.

Players to Watch

Beyond Park, several players have the potential to make deep runs in Goyang:

• Jeong Bo-young (KOR, No. 224 WTA): A consistent performer on the ITF circuit, Jeong reached the semifinals of a $25K event in Daegu earlier this year. Her aggressive baseline game and strong serve make her a threat on hard courts.
• Anastasia Tikhonova (RUS, No. 256 WTA): The Russian left-hander has been in impressive form in 2026, winning a $15K event in Sharm El Sheikh in March. Her all-court game and experience on the WTA Tour (she reached the second round of the 2025 Australian Open qualifying) could give her an edge.
• Kim Na-ri (KOR, No. 289 WTA): A wildcard entry, Kim has been a revelation in 2026, reaching her first ITF final in Incheon in February. Her powerful forehand and mental toughness make her a dark horse in Goyang.

Why This Tournament Matters

For Korean tennis, the ITF NH NongHyup Bank event is more than just another tournament—it’s a stepping stone for the next generation of players aiming to follow in the footsteps of Jeong Su-nam, the first Korean woman to win a WTA singles title (2023 Guangzhou Open). With the WTA Tour expanding its footprint in Asia, including new events in Seoul and Busan, success in Goyang could be a springboard for players eyeing bigger stages.

The tournament also serves as a barometer for the health of women’s tennis in Korea. The Korea Tennis Association (KTA) has invested heavily in grassroots development, and events like this provide a platform for young players to test themselves against international competition. For fans, it’s an opportunity to see future stars up close, often for free or at a low cost.

What to Watch For

Here are three storylines to follow as the tournament unfolds:

1. Can Park So-hyun handle the pressure of being the top seed? Park has yet to win an ITF title in 2026, and her early-round matches against lower-ranked opponents will test her ability to avoid upsets.
2. Will Anastasia Tikhonova continue her hot streak? The Russian has won 12 of her last 15 matches and could be the player to beat if she maintains her momentum.
3. How will the Korean wildcards perform? Kim Na-ri and Lee Ji-eun (another wildcard) will look to make the most of their home-court advantage. A deep run by either could signal a breakthrough moment in their careers.

The tournament runs through May 4, with the singles final scheduled for 2:00 PM KST. Fans can follow live scores and updates on the ITF’s official tournament page.

23rd Hak-san Kim Seong-ryul Jangsa National Ssireum Championship: Tradition Meets Competition

While tennis draws the international crowd, the 23rd Hak-san Kim Seong-ryul Jangsa National Ssireum Championship in Masan offers a glimpse into Korea’s rich sporting heritage. Ssireum, a traditional form of Korean wrestling, has been practiced for over 2,000 years and remains a beloved cultural pastime. This year’s event, held at the Masan Indoor Gymnasium, promises to showcase the strength, technique, and tradition of Korea’s top wrestlers.

Event Details and Format

• Venue: Masan Indoor Gymnasium, Changwon, South Korea
• Start Time: 11:00 AM KST (UTC+9) on April 29, 2026
• Format: Single-elimination tournament with weight classes (lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight)
• Prize: The winner of each weight class receives the title of “Jangsa” (General) and a cash prize of ₩10 million (approximately $7,500 USD).

Ssireum is unique among wrestling sports for its emphasis on balance, leverage, and technique over brute strength. Wrestlers, known as “ssireumjang,” compete in a circular sand pit while gripping a satba (a red-and-blue cloth belt worn around the waist and thigh). The goal is to force any part of the opponent’s body above the knee to touch the ground. Matches are often decided in seconds, making every move critical.

Key Competitors and Storylines

The tournament features some of Korea’s most decorated ssireum athletes, including:

• Lee Man-ki (Heavyweight): The reigning champion and a three-time winner of the Jangsa title, Lee is a dominant force in the sport. His signature move, the “gakjeogi” (a powerful hip throw), has earned him the nickname “The Sandstorm.”
• Kim Dong-su (Middleweight): A rising star in ssireum, Kim won the national championship in 2025 and is known for his agility and quick reflexes. He represents the next generation of wrestlers blending traditional techniques with modern training methods.
• Park Jong-ho (Lightweight): The 2024 lightweight champion, Park is a fan favorite for his underdog story. Standing at just 5’7″ (170 cm), he relies on speed and precision to outmaneuver larger opponents.

One of the most compelling storylines of the tournament is the generational shift in ssireum. While veterans like Lee Man-ki continue to dominate, younger wrestlers like Kim Dong-su are pushing the sport forward with innovative techniques and a focus on physical conditioning. The Korea Ssireum Association has also been working to modernize the sport, including efforts to introduce ssireum to international audiences. In 2025, the sport was featured as a demonstration event at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, and there are ongoing discussions about including it in future editions of the Olympics.

Cultural Significance

Ssireum is more than just a sport in Korea—it’s a cultural institution. Historically, ssireum competitions were held during festivals and holidays, serving as both entertainment and a way to build community. Today, the sport is celebrated for its connection to Korean identity and its role in preserving traditional values.

The Hak-san Kim Seong-ryul Jangsa Championship is named in honor of Kim Seong-ryul, a legendary ssireum wrestler who dominated the sport in the early 20th century. The tournament is organized by the Korea Ssireum Association and attracts thousands of spectators each year. For many fans, attending the event is a way to connect with Korea’s past while supporting its future.

For those unable to attend in person, the tournament will be broadcast live on KBS Sports and streamed on the Korea Ssireum Association’s YouTube channel.

10th Gwangju Mayor’s Cup National Corporate Squash Championship: A Growing Sport in Korea

Rounding out the day’s sporting action is the 10th Gwangju Mayor’s Cup National Corporate Squash Championship, held at the Gwangju Metropolitan Sports Complex Squash Courts. Squash may not have the same historical roots as ssireum or the global reach of tennis, but It’s rapidly gaining popularity in Korea, thanks in part to events like this one.

Event Details and Format

• Venue: Gwangju Metropolitan Sports Complex Squash Courts, Gwangju, South Korea
• Start Time: 10:00 AM KST (UTC+9) on April 29, 2026
• Format: Team-based competition with men’s and women’s divisions. Each match consists of best-of-five games, with the first to 11 points (win by two) winning each game.
• Participants: 16 corporate teams from across Korea, including squash powerhouses like Samsung, LG, and Hyundai, as well as rising teams from regional companies.

Squash has seen a surge in interest in Korea over the past decade, driven by increased corporate sponsorship and the construction of new facilities. The Gwangju Mayor’s Cup is one of the most prestigious events on the Korean squash calendar, attracting top talent from the corporate leagues. The tournament is organized by the Korea Squash Federation and the Gwangju Metropolitan Government.

Teams and Players to Watch

The corporate nature of the tournament means that many of the players are amateur athletes who balance their squash careers with full-time jobs. Though, the level of competition is high, and the event often features former collegiate and professional players. Some of the top teams and players to watch include:

• Samsung Electronics: The defending champions, Samsung has dominated Korean squash in recent years. Their team is led by Choi Min-ho, a former national champion and one of the most experienced players in the country.
• LG Electronics: Samsung’s biggest rival, LG has invested heavily in squash and is fielding a strong team this year. Park Ji-hoon, a rising star who won the Korean National Squash Championship in 2025, will anchor their lineup.
• Hyundai Motor Company: Hyundai has made a push to establish itself as a squash powerhouse, and their team includes Kim Soo-jin, a former Asian Games bronze medalist.
• Gwangju Regional Team: A wildcard entry composed of players from local businesses, this team is always a crowd favorite. Their top player, Lee Hye-jin, is a former collegiate champion and a local hero in Gwangju.

Why This Tournament Matters

The Gwangju Mayor’s Cup is more than just a corporate competition—it’s a celebration of squash’s growing popularity in Korea. The tournament serves several key purposes:

1. Promoting the Sport: With squash still a niche sport in Korea, events like this help raise its profile and attract new players. The tournament is open to the public, and organizers offer free clinics for beginners.
2. Corporate Engagement: Squash is uniquely positioned as a sport that appeals to corporate employees. The fast-paced, high-intensity nature of the game makes it an ideal way for companies to promote health and teamwork among their staff.
3. Developing Talent: The tournament provides a platform for amateur players to showcase their skills and potentially earn sponsorships or coaching opportunities. Many of Korea’s top squash players, including national team members, have competed in the Gwangju Mayor’s Cup.

The event also highlights the role of local government in supporting sports. The Gwangju Metropolitan Government has been a strong advocate for squash, investing in facilities and hosting international events. In 2025, Gwangju hosted the Asian Squash Federation’s Junior Championships, further cementing its reputation as a hub for the sport in Korea.

For fans, the tournament offers a unique opportunity to see high-level squash up close. The intimate setting of the squash courts allows spectators to appreciate the speed, strategy, and athleticism of the players. The event will also be streamed live on the Korea Squash Federation’s website.

Key Takeaways for April 29, 2026

Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect from Wednesday’s sporting action:

• Tennis: The ITF NH NongHyup Bank International Women’s Tour in Goyang (10:00 AM KST) features rising stars like Park So-hyun and Anastasia Tikhonova. The tournament runs through May 4, with the singles final at 2:00 PM KST.
• Ssireum: The 23rd Hak-san Kim Seong-ryul Jangsa National Championship in Masan (11:00 AM KST) showcases Korea’s traditional wrestling. Look for reigning champion Lee Man-ki and rising star Kim Dong-su.
• Squash: The 10th Gwangju Mayor’s Cup National Corporate Championship (10:00 AM KST) highlights the growing popularity of squash in Korea. Samsung, LG, and Hyundai are the teams to watch.
• How to Follow: Live scores for tennis are available on the ITF website, ssireum updates on KBS Sports, and squash streams on the Korea Squash Federation’s site.

What’s Next?

After April 29, here’s what’s on the horizon for each event:

• Tennis: The ITF NH NongHyup Bank International Women’s Tour continues with quarterfinals on May 1 and semifinals on May 2. The singles final is scheduled for May 4 at 2:00 PM KST.
• Ssireum: The 23rd Hak-san Kim Seong-ryul Jangsa Championship concludes on April 30 with the finals in all weight classes. The event will be broadcast live on KBS Sports.
• Squash: The Gwangju Mayor’s Cup National Corporate Championship wraps up on April 30 with the championship matches. The men’s and women’s finals will be streamed live on the Korea Squash Federation’s website.

For sports fans, the coming days offer a chance to dive deeper into these events and see how the storylines unfold. Whether you’re tracking the next generation of tennis stars, the timeless tradition of ssireum, or the rising popularity of squash, there’s plenty to retain an eye on.