The Korean Under-17 Women's Handball National Team has secured an early berth in the semifinals at the Asian stage.

Under the leadership of head coach Kim Jinsoon, Korea posted a resounding 40-27 victory over Iran in their second Group B match of the 11th Asian Women's Youth (Under-17) Handball Championship, held on July 19 in Jinggangshan, Jiangxi Province, China.

With two consecutive wins under their belt, the Korean squad guaranteed advancement to the semifinals regardless of the outcome of their third group-stage match against Japan, scheduled for July 21.

This victory also awarded Korea a spot in the upcoming 2026 World Women's Youth Championship (Under-18).

Key players for Korea included Lee Sua and Lee Jueun, both from Incheon Business High School, and Jang Sowon from Daegu Physical Education High School, each contributing six goals to lead the offense.

Korea finished as runners-up to Japan at last year's championship in 2023. The team now aims to reclaim the Asian title for the first time since 2019, marking a potential return to the top after a six-year wait.

Meanwhile, in other Group B action, Japan defeated India 38-22. In Group A, China overcame Kazakhstan 34-25, while Taiwan dominated Hong Kong 51-18.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Yonhap News Agency, Korea Handball Federation