Table tennis is a sport that has been widely popular in North Korea for a number of years. It is not only a recreational activity, but also a competitive sport in which some of the best players in the world have been born and raised.
North Korean table tennis players have won numerous medals at international competitions, and some of the most talented and promising players from North Korea have made a name for themselves in the sport.
We will take a look at some of the best table tennis players in North Korea and how they have achieved success in the sport.
1. Kim Song-i
Kim Song-i is a professional North Korean table tennis player who has achieved great success in her career.
As of November 2017, she is ranked 23rd in the world according to the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) rankings, making her one of the top players in the world.
Kim has a highly defensive style of play, using slices to keep her opponent away from the table and conserving energy. Occasionally, she will inject pace with topspin strokes from the forehand to surprise her opponents and gain the upper hand.
Kim currently represents the Amrokkang Sports Club, a national club in North Korea. Kim Song-i has been able to reach the top echelons of the table tennis world due to her incredible dedication and hard work.
She has become a role model to aspiring North Korean players, providing them with an example of what can be accomplished with determination and passion.
Kim’s commitment to the sport has earned her the respect of the international community, and we can only look forward to more great accomplishments from her in the future.
2. Ri Chol-guk
Ri Chol-guk is a North Korean table tennis player who is ranked no. 86 in the world by the International Table Tennis Federation as of May 2012. His playing style is based on the penhold grip and he is right-handed.
Ri is part of the table tennis team for Kigwancha Sports Club and is coached and trained by Kim Jin Myong. Ri is a talented individual who has achieved success in the world of table tennis.
His ranking by the International Table Tennis Federation is a testament to his skill and dedication. He is part of a team that is dedicated to improving their craft and advancing their skills.
The team trains regularly under the guidance of Kim Jin Myong, providing them with the knowledge and experience they need to succeed. Ri’s style of play is based on the penhold grip, which allows him to use both his forehand and backhand strokes to great effect.
His right-handedness gives him more control over his shots and allows him to execute powerful shots.
He is able to hit accurate and powerful shots with this grip, giving him an advantage over his opponents. Ri Chol-guk is an accomplished table tennis player who has achieved success in the world of table tennis.
His ranking by the International Table Tennis Federation is a testament to his skill and dedication. Ri is part of a team that is committed to improving their craft and developing their skills.
With the guidance of Kim Jin Myong, Ri and his team are able to practice and improve their skills so they can continue to succeed in the sport of table tennis.
3. Kim Song-hui
Kim Song-hui is a formidable table tennis player who made a name for himself internationally. He hails from North Korea and has won several accolades throughout his career.
At the 1987 World Table Tennis Championships, he walked away with a bronze medal in the men’s team event and completed a repeat performance at the 1989 World Table Tennis Championships.
His achievements are a testament to his skill as a player and his determination to succeed. Kim Song-hui is an inspiration to many who look up to him as a role model. He has shown that no matter where you come from, you can still make it to the top if you work hard enough.
His commitment to training and improvement is evident not only in his success but also in his longevity as a player. He has been a part of the international table tennis scene for many years and has earned the respect of his peers and fans.
Moreover, Kim Song-hui’s success is made even more special by the fact that he hails from North Korea. This is a country that has been isolated from the rest of the world for many years and yet Kim Song-hui has still managed to make a name for himself.
His achievement is a sign of hope to many North Koreans that even though their country is not well-known globally, they have the potential to make a mark in the international arena.
In conclusion, Kim Song-hui is a remarkable North Korean former international table tennis player who won a bronze medal at the 1987 and 1989 World Table Tennis Championships.
He is a beacon of hope for many who come from his country and an inspiration to all those who strive for excellence.
4. Kim Hyok-Bong
Kim Hyok-bong is a prominent North Korean table tennis player who represented the April 25 Sports Team. He is a retired athlete who has competed in two Summer Olympics; first in 2008 and then again in 2012.
During the 2012 Summer Olympics, of which he was a part, he managed to reach the fourth round of his division, knocking out the highly-seeded South Korean Joo Se-hyuk in the third round.
This was a huge accomplishment and a great feat for Kim Hyok-bong, and it showed that he was a force to be reckoned with in the table tennis world. Though he has since retired, his legacy lives on as a reminder of the talent and skill possessed by North Korean athletes.
5. Pak Sin-il
Pak Sin Il is an accomplished former international table tennis player from North Korea. He has achieved great success in the sport, having won a bronze medal at the 1965 World Table Tennis Championships in the Swaythling Cup.
Pak Sin Il was part of an impressive team, which included Jung Kil-Hwa, Jung Ryang-Woong, Kim Chang-Ho and Kim Jung-Sam. Together, the team was able to secure the bronze medal, and Pak Sin Il’s individual contribution was an integral part of the achievement.
Pak Sin Il is an example of how amazing feats can be achieved when people come together and work as a team. His success serves as an inspiration for other athletes and players, showing them that anything is possible when working together.
His legacy is a testament to the power of collaboration in achieving great things.
6. Kim Chang-ho
Kim Chang-ho was a highly accomplished table tennis player from North Korea. His impressive career included a bronze medal win at the 1965 World Table Tennis Championships in the Swaythling Cup.
He achieved this with the help of his teammates Jung Kil-Hwa, Jung Ryang-Woong, Kim Jung-Sam, and Pak Sin Il. Kim Chang-ho was born and raised in North Korea, where he began to take an interest in table tennis at a young age.
He trained hard and was soon competing at a professional level. His talent and dedication eventually earned him a spot on the North Korean national table tennis team.
At the 1965 World Table Tennis Championships, Kim Chang-ho’s team was able to secure a bronze medal in the Swaythling Cup. This was an impressive achievement, and it was thanks in part to the team’s chemistry and dedication.
Kim Chang-ho, Jung Kil-Hwa, Jung Ryang-Woong, Kim Jung-Sam, and Pak Sin Il worked together to achieve their success. Kim Chang-ho’s impressive career was a testament to his hard work and dedication.
He was an inspiring figure in North Korea and an example of what hard work and determination can achieve. His success at the 1965 World Table Tennis Championships was a crowning achievement in a remarkable career.
7. Yun Mun-song
Yun Mun-Song is an accomplished former table tennis player from North Korea. He has competed in the highest level of international table tennis tournaments, representing his home country of North Korea.
His successes have made him a well-known figure in the sport, and his name is often mentioned in conversations about the best table tennis players from the region. Yun Mun-Song’s career in table tennis began in his early teens when he first began participating in local tournaments.
He quickly rose up the ranks, and by the time he was in his late teens, he was competing nationally and internationally. He first made his international debut in the 2000 World Championships in Japan.
During this tournament, he reached the quarterfinals before losing to eventual champion Wang Hao of China. Yun Mun-Song went on to have a successful career in table tennis, competing in numerous other tournaments.
He won the 2004 Asian Cup in Indonesia, and his highest ranking was number three in the world.
He was also part of the North Korean team that won a bronze medal at the 2002 Asian Games. In recent years, Yun Mun-Song has retired from competitive play and has taken up a job as a table tennis coach.
He now works with young players in his home country, teaching them the fundamentals of the game and helping them reach their goals. He is an inspiration to many aspiring players, and he continues to be a respected figure in the table tennis community.
8. Li Sung-il
Li Sung-Il is a highly accomplished North Korean athlete. He was an international table tennis player who achieved great success in his field. At the 1993 World Table Tennis Championships, Li Sung-Il and his partner Yu Sun-bok won a bronze medal in the mixed doubles event.
This was a remarkable achievement, as they were able to beat out their competitors and become one of the top three finishers in the world. Li Sung-Il’s career as a table tennis player was quite successful.
He competed on the international stage for several years and was able to reach the pinnacle of his sport. His bronze medal at the 1993 World Table Tennis Championships was a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.
It was a great honor for him to be able to represent North Korea in this way. The success of Li Sung-Il and Yu Sun-bok is a great example of how North Korean athletes can compete and achieve success on the world stage.
By competing in an international event, they were able to show the world the strength and skill of North Korean athletes. This was a great achievement for them both, and one that will be remembered for many years to come.
9. Hong Chol
Hong Chol is a former international table tennis player from North Korea who achieved a lot of success in his career.
He won a bronze medal at the 1987 World Table Tennis Championships in the Swaythling Cup, which was a team event held by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) to decide the world champions.
Hong Chol was part of the North Korean team that also included Chu Jong-Chol, Kim Song-hui and Li Gun-Sang. This team was able to secure the bronze medal, demonstrating Hong Chol’s impressive ability in table tennis.
In addition to this success, Hong Chol also won a bronze medal at the Asian Games in 1978. This is a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport. Hong Chol’s achievements are an inspiration to aspiring table tennis players from North Korea and around the world.
10. Chu Jong-chol
Chu Jong-Chol is a former international table tennis player from North Korea. He made a significant contribution to his country’s success in the sport, claiming a bronze medal at the 1987 World Table Tennis Championships in the Swaythling Cup.
His team, which also included Hong Chol, Kim Song-hui and Li Gun-Sang, was the first ever North Korean team to win a medal at the event. Chu Jong-Chol was an integral part of the team, as his experience and talent helped them to make history.
His contributions to the team were essential and without him, the team would not have been able to achieve such success. The team’s victory was a major milestone not only for the individual players but also for the entire nation.
It was an indication of the country’s strength in the sport and showed that they could compete at the highest level. Chu Jong-Chol’s accomplishments are a testament to his passion and dedication to the game.
His hard work and determination paid off in the end and he will always be remembered as one of North Korea’s greatest table tennis players.
11. Jung Ryang-woong
Jung Ryang-Woong is a remarkable athlete from North Korea who made a name for himself in the international table tennis arena.
He competed in the 1965 World Table Tennis Championships and achieved success, winning a bronze medal with his teammates Jung Kil-Hwa, Kim Chang-Ho, Kim Jung-Sam, and Pak Sin Il.
This accomplishment is even more impressive considering the fact that the team had to compete against several other countries in order to secure the medal. This win was especially significant for North Korea, as it showed the country’s prowess in the sport.
Not only did they come away with a medal, but they did so with a team made up of five players. This was a remarkable feat, as most teams competing in this tournament usually had four players or less.
Ryang-Woong and his teammates were able to demonstrate their potential in the tournament and secure a bronze medal in the Swaythling Cup. This was a great achievement for North Korea and was a testament to the skill and determination of the team.
Ryang-Woong’s individual contributions to the team surely played a role in the success of the team, and he can be proud of his efforts.
12. Kang Neung-hwa
Kang Neung-Hwa was a prominent table tennis player from North Korea who achieved international recognition for his prowess in the sport. He was part of a successful team that won the silver medal in the 1967 World Table Tennis Championships in the Swaythling Cup.
The team consisted of Kim Jung-Sam, Jung Ryang-Woong, Kim Chang-Ho and Pak Sin Il, all of whom were excellent players in their own right. Kang Neung-Hwa was a key member of the team, and his contributions to their success cannot be overlooked.
He was instrumental in helping the team secure its silver medal, and his ability to work well and stay focused in the heat of competition was a major factor in their victory.
He was also a great motivator, pushing his teammates to perform their best and ensure that they achieved their goals. The silver medal won by Kang Neung-Hwa and his team in the 1967 World Table Tennis Championships is a testament to their skill and determination.
They proved that, with the right amount of hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Their victory is an inspiration to all future athletes and is a reminder of the power of teamwork and perseverance.
13. Kim Jong
Kim Jong Ping is a professional table tennis player from North Korea. She has represented her country at the Summer Olympics on two occasions, in 2008 and 2012.
In 2008, Kim Jong Ping competed in the women’s singles event only, while in 2012 she participated in both the singles and the team events in the women’s category.
Her impressive skills and dedication to the sport have enabled her to become one of the most successful North Korean athletes in the international arena.
She remains an inspiration to aspiring table tennis players around the world, being an example of what hard work and determination can achieve.
14. Yu Sun-bok
Yu Sun-bok is an accomplished athlete and former table tennis player from North Korea. She was a major figure in the table tennis scene in the early 1990s. She represented her country at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.
At the time, she was one of the top players in the world and was expected to be a major contender for a medal. Unfortunately, she failed to make it past the round of 16 and was eliminated from the tournament.
Despite her early setback, she continued to be a dominant force in the sport. She has won numerous international tournaments and has been the North Korean National Table Tennis Champion several times.
In addition to her competitive career, Yu Sun-bok has also served as a coach and mentor to young athletes in her country. She has trained and inspired the next generation of table tennis players from North Korea.
Overall, Yu Sun-bok is an iconic figure in the world of table tennis. Her tenacity and commitment to the sport have been an inspiration to many. She is a reminder that hard work and dedication can lead to success, even in the face of adversity.
15. Pak Yung-sun
Pak Yung-sun was an exemplary athlete and a respected labor hero from North Korea. She was a professional table tennis player and represented the Korean People’s Army’s February 8 Sports Club. She was an international player, playing in tournaments all around the world.
Pak Yung-sun was the pride of North Korea and was dubbed ‘People’s Athlete’ due to her success and skill in the sport.
Her achievements were widely celebrated in her home country and she was seen as a role model for many aspiring athletes. Pak Yung-sun began playing table tennis at a young age and soon rose to prominence due to her talent.
She competed in tournaments around the world, from China to Germany, and won numerous awards and medals for her performances.
Pak Yung-sun was one of the first North Korean athletes to receive international recognition and she was a source of great pride for her home country. In addition to her successes in table tennis, Pak Yung-sun was also a dedicated worker.
She worked in the labor force and was an active member of the Korean People’s Army’s February 8 Sports Club. She was known for her hard work and dedication to her job, and she was regularly praised by her colleagues. Pak Yung-sun was an inspiring figure for many North Koreans.
She is remembered for her dedication to her sport and her commitment to her work. She was the People’s Athlete and Labor Hero, and her legacy continues to inspire people today.
16. Jang Song-Man
Jang Song-man is a professional table tennis player from North Korea. He has represented his country at two Olympic Games, the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics.
In Beijing, Jang competed in the men’s individual event, while in London he was part of the men’s team event. It is clear that Jang is a highly skilled player, as well as having the honor of representing North Korea at the Olympic Games.
This is a great achievement, and Jang should be proud of what he has achieved. He is an example of the talent and dedication of North Korean athletes, and his performance in both the individual and team events is a testament to his skill.
17. Ri Myong-Sun
Ri Myong-sun is a highly accomplished North Korean table tennis player. She first competed for North Korea at the 2012 Summer Olympics, where she made her mark in the sport.
Ri Myong-sun then went on to compete again for North Korea at the 2016 Summer Olympics, and achieved a remarkable victory in the third round of the women’s singles. She beat Petrissa Solja of Germany, a highly accomplished player in her own right, to advance to the next round.
This victory marks a great achievement for Ri Myong-sun, and shows her dedication and determination to the sport. Her success demonstrates the skill and hard work that have gone into her training and preparation for the Olympics.
It is quite an accomplishment to be able to beat such a talented player, and it is a testament to Ri Myong-sun’s skill and tenacity.
18. Kim Mi-yong
Kim Mi-Yong is a North Korean table tennis player who has achieved international success.
She has won two major medals in her career: a gold medal as a member of the North Korean table tennis team at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea, and a silver medal at the 2001 World Table Tennis Championships in Osaka, Japan.
As of January 2010, Kim was ranked number one in her country for table tennis players. This speaks to her immense skill and dedication to the sport, and she is considered a great ambassador of North Korean table tennis.
Kim Mi-Yong is a true inspiration for aspiring table tennis players around the world, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to great success.
19. Kim Yun-mi
Kim Yun-Mi is a North Korean international table tennis player who has achieved great success in her career. She has won numerous awards and accolades, including a silver medal and bronze medal at the 2001 World Table Tennis Championships.
This accomplishment is particularly impressive, as not many athletes can claim to have won medals at a sport’s world championship.
Additionally, Yun-Mi’s success was even more remarkable considering that North Korea is not traditionally known for success in sports, particularly at international competitions. Yun-Mi has become a role model for many aspiring table tennis players in North Korea, and her success has inspired more people to take up the sport.
Her perseverance and dedication to the game is admirable, and her achievements have been a source of great pride for the North Korean people.
Her silver and bronze medals have put her name on the map, and she will continue to be an inspiration to the next generation of North Korean athletes.
20. Tu Jong-sil
Tu Jong-sil is a well-known former international table tennis player from North Korea. He gained fame and notoriety for his impressive skill level on the court. He was born in Pyongyang and began playing table tennis at a young age.
He soon rose to become one of the most talented players in the North Korean National Team. Jong-sil was a part of the North Korean team that competed in the World Table Tennis Championships in 1979.
He quickly gained recognition for his outstanding talent and was considered one of the best players in the world at the time. He also participated in the Asian Table Tennis Championships and the World Table Tennis Championships in the 1980s.
Jong-sil was known for his aggressive style of play, which earned him the nickname of “The Dragon”. He was admired for his skillful combination of power and finesse.
His quick reflexes and high speed of movement enabled him to successfully defend powerful shots from his opponents. Jong-sil retired from international competition in the early 1990s. He has since become a coach and mentor for the North Korean National Team.
He is credited with helping to develop the team into one of the top-ranked table tennis teams in the world. Tu Jong-sil is an important figure in the history of international table tennis.
His skill and dedication to the sport have earned him well-deserved recognition and respect.
21. Ri Mi-Gyong
Ri Mi-gyong is a table tennis player from North Korea. She has participated in the Olympic Games twice, first in 2012 and again in 2016. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, Ri Mi-gyong competed for North Korea in the women’s team event.
She repeated this feat at the 2016 Summer Olympics, competing in the same event. Ri Mi-gyong has demonstrated a commitment to her sport and is an excellent example of a dedicated athlete.
Her accomplishments are a testament to her talent and determination, and she has been an inspiration to many.
22. Ri Gun-sang
Ri Gun-sang is a renowned former international table tennis player hailing from North Korea. He achieved a remarkable feat in his career when he won a bronze medal at the 1987 World Table Tennis Championships in the Swaythling Cup.
He was part of a team of four players representing North Korea in the tournament. His teammates were Hong Chol, Kim Song-hui and Chu Jong-Chol. Ri Gun-sang’s feat was no small feat, considering the level of difficulty of the competition.
At the event, the best players from around the world congregated to partake in the championship and the North Korean team defeated many formidable opponents to clinch the bronze medal.
This victory was a testament to Ri Gun-sang’s skill and determination as a table tennis player. Ri Gun-sang’s success at the 1987 World Table Tennis Championships was an inspiration to many in North Korea and his legacy continues to motivate talented young players even today.
His success serves as a reminder of the potential of sports to foster unity and camaraderie across borders and bring people together.
23. Kim Hye-yong
Kim Hye-yong is a North Korean table tennis player who made history by competing in the women’s singles event at the 1992 Summer Olympics. She was one of the few North Korean athletes to compete in the Olympics that year.
This was a very significant moment in North Korean sports history as it marked the first time a North Korean athlete had competed in an Olympic event since the country’s founding in 1948.
Hye-yong was a very talented table tennis player and her participation in the Olympics was a great source of pride for her nation. She was an inspiration to many and a symbol of North Korea’s growing presence in the international sports arena.
Hye-yong’s legacy continues to this day and she remains a powerful symbol of North Korean sports excellence.
24. Jung Kil-hwa
Jung Kil-Hwa is an impressive athlete. He was a former international table tennis player from North Korea who achieved great success in his field.
He won a bronze medal at the 1965 World Table Tennis Championships in the Swaythling Cup, competing alongside fellow players Jung Ryang-Woong, Kim Chang-Ho, Kim Jung-Sam, and Pak Sin Il.
This prestigious award is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport of table tennis. Kil-Hwa’s success at the 1965 World Table Tennis Championships was no small achievement.
It took a great deal of skill and hard work to compete at the highest level and come away with a medal.
His remarkable performance was recognized internationally, making him a role model for aspiring table tennis players around the world. Kil-Hwa’s legacy lives on through his incredible accomplishments.
His success at the 1965 World Table Tennis Championships was a major milestone for North Korean sport and its athletes. He is an inspiration to all those who strive to reach their goals no matter what obstacles stand in their way.
25. Kim Jin-myong
Kim Jin-myong is an experienced athlete and coach from North Korea. He was a player on the men’s doubles team at the 1992 Summer Olympics, partnering with Kim Song-hui.
After his playing career, he moved into the coaching role and has been the coach of the North Korean women’s national table tennis team since around 2012. His experience as an athlete and coach puts him in the perfect position to help his team succeed and reach their goals.
He has a deep understanding of the game and is able to provide the guidance and support his players need in order to succeed.
26. Wally Green
Wally Green is an accomplished table tennis player from the United States. He is a veteran of the sport, having participated in more than 35 International Pro Tour competitions on behalf of the United States.
His impressive career in table tennis has seen him compete in tournaments all over the world, including the Olympics, the World Championships, and the Pan American Championships.
As an experienced player, Wally Green has always been a formidable opponent, and his impressive record in international competition is a testament to his skill and dedication.
He has been ranked as high as second in the world in the sport, and his name is well-recognized among the table tennis elite. His hard work and dedication have allowed him to represent the United States with distinction in many of the world’s most prestigious tournaments.
Conclusion
North Korea is home to some of the best table tennis players in the world. These players have achieved great success in different tournaments and championships, and have helped to put North Korean table tennis on the international map.
With their hard work and dedication, these players are sure to continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.
