WRITER : ISHA CHAUDHARY
EDITOR : SHIVRAJ PATEL
Picture Credit: OLYMPICS.COM
Sports is not only a means of entertainment, but it also symbolizes the identity, culture and unity of a country. The Olympic Games have a long tradition and include both summer and winter sports. South Korea registered its name in gold letters all over the world by hosting the Winter Olympic Games in 2018. The games were held in the city of Pyeong Chang from 9 February to 25 February 2018. This event created a new history not only in the world of sports but also in international relations and cultural exchanges.
Venue and significance
Pyeong chang is a small mountainous area of South Korea, famous for its cold climate and snowfall. This place is very suitable for winter sports. When South Korea won the right to host these games, there was a wave of joy throughout the country. It was the third Winter Olympics held in Asia. Japan has hosted the event twice before becoming the only among 5 countries of Asia to host such prestigious competitions.
Games and competitions
A total of 15 types of sports were included in the 2018 Winter Olympics depicting different aspects of game skills. These included skiing, ice skating, ice hockey, snowboarding, bobsleigh, figure skating and many other exciting sports. A total of 102 events were held, the most in Winter Olympic history to date.
Around 3,000 athletes from 92 countries participated in the event. The players not only represented their countries but also exemplified sportsmanship, courage and grit to do their best in every play.
Special attraction
The most special aspect of the Pyeongchang Olympics was that North Korea and South Korea marched together. Players from both countries walked under the same flag at the opening ceremony. Not only this, the women’s ice hockey team was also formed jointly. This incident caught the attention of the whole world and gave the message that sports can become a bridge of peace and brotherhood between nations. Different cultural aspectsalso shows the true sportsmanship.
These games were made memorable with the help of modern technology. 5G networks, drone shows and robots were used in the opening ceremony. Millions of viewers watched these games online and through TV.
Not only sports, but South Korea also presented its culture and tradition to the world. The opening and closing ceremonies showcased Korean music, dance and historical heritage. This made it clear that sports are not just an occasion on the field, but also an opportunity for cultural exchange.
Medal table
Norway won the most medals at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Germany was second and the United States third. South Korea also performed brilliantly and won a total of 17 medals, which included 5 Gold, 8 Silver and 4 Bronze. It was one of South Korea’s finest achievements to date bringing Laurels to their country.
Food central
Korea secures hotels or other facilities near the athlete villages to prepare meals for the national team. The got to taste the Korean side dishes also known as반찬 and their umami flavor of 김치, 비빔밥, 떡볶이 and other international cuisines too which jot only filled the stomach of playors with joy but also give them a chance to taste.
Conclusion
South Korea’s Winter Olympic event was not just a sporting event, it was a celebration uniting the entire world. It proved that peace, friendship and brotherhood can be promoted through sports. Pyeongchang showed the world that big dreams can be fulfilled even in a small place.
The South Korean event set an example for future organizers of how technology, culture and sports can combine to deliver a unique message on the global stage. The Winter Olympics 2018 will always be remembered, as it earned the distinction of becoming a symbol of sportsmanship as well as world peace and cooperation.
Video Credit: KoreanCulturalCenter Washington D.C.
Share this Article with your Family & Friends: