Hyundai Motor Group, a steady patron of Korean archery, on Friday offered the national archery team with 880 million won ($830,000) to recognize their strong performance in the recently concluded Incheon Asian Games.

On the behalf of Hyundai Motor Group chairman Chung Mong-koo, his son Eui-sun who is vice chairman of Hyundai Motor and head of the Korea Archery Association, rewarded the archers for winning medals and boosting Korea’s status in the global sporting arena. 

The team won 9 medals ― five gold, three silver and one bronze at this year’s Asiad that ended earlier this month. A total of 222 archers from 27 countries participated in the games that included a new competition for team compound archery.

“We thank the archers, the coaches and the staff for once again showcasing the strength of Korea’s archery team,” the junior Chung said. “We look forward to seeing the team continue to do well in the future.”

Hyundai Motor has been making steady contributions to the national archery team from early on when it suffered from the relatively low popularity of the sport. The Hyundai Motor chairman has poured in over 38 billion won to support the segment since 1985 when he first served as the KAA chairman.

The younger Chung, who took over his father’s job of leading the association in 2005, has also been providing support for the development of Korean archery.

Over 30 people, including Chung and the archery team athletes attended Friday’s event, Hyundai Motor said.

By Lee Hee-ju (hjlee0301@heraldcorp.com)