Shin Ji-eun secures first Asian Games victory in beach volleyball

South Korean beach volleyball player Shin Ji-eun secured her first career Asian Games victory at the Nagoya Asian Games. Partnering with Kim Jeong-ah, the duo overcame a first-set loss to defeat a Malaysian pair 2-1 (21:23, 21:15, 18:16) in their Group D preliminary match.

Shin’s journey to this milestone has been marked by significant financial and personal challenges. Due to a lack of professional team structures and sponsorship for beach volleyball in South Korea, she previously worked at fast-food restaurants, ski resorts, and as a physical education instructor to fund her training and international travel. She has also faced online harassment regarding her competition attire; she has responded to such criticism by stating that bikini uniforms are a long-standing tradition and part of the sport's culture.

This victory marks a successful comeback for Shin, who had previously considered retirement following a difficult performance at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2022.