ODA Luge's joint training program in Asia is forming a large Asian luge alliance
PyeongChang (FIL/19 Dec 2024) From December 1 to 14, 2024, nine young athletes from four Asian countries came to PyeongChang to participate in the Official Development Assistance (ODA) luge program. Children from Nepal, Cambodia, the Philippines and Mongolia arrived with nothing but their enthusiasm, while all costs – from flights to accommodation and meals to training fees – were covered by the Korean Sports & Olympic Committee (KSOC) and the Korea Luge Federation (KLF).
Under the guidance of two experts from the International Luge Federation (FIL), Fred Zimny (USA) and Ivars Deinis (LAT), the young athletes were introduced to the basics of the sport of luge. The program was also supported by the 2018 PyeongChang Legacy Foundation.
Mongolian athlete Maranata was thrilled: “I was overwhelmed by the winter sports facilities in PyeongChang. Thanks to the coaches, I now feel even more connected to the sport of luge.”
A long-term goal: 2028 Winter Youth Olympics
The Korea Luge Federation (KLF) has designed the training program specifically for children aged 11 to 14 (born in 2010–2013) – the qualifying age for the 2028 Winter Youth Olympics.
“Our goal is to foster a strong Asian luge movement by supporting athletes from different Asian countries as they prepare for international competitions. We hope this initiative lays the foundation for future success at the Winter Youth Olympic Games,” said KLF President Jay Jieun Park.
The KLF plans to continue the ODA program annually until 2028 and to actively support the participants in their development. At the same time, it is preparing to organize the Asian Luge Championships on a larger scale.
Perspectives for the future
Fred Zimny, FIL Director of Development, emphasized the importance of promoting young talent and expanding the number of member nations:
“This program was a small but crucial introduction to the sport of luge. The next step could be the establishment of national federations to further take advantage of the opportunities offered by international sports.”
Some countries have already started working with their National Olympic Committee (NOC) to promote the organization of a national federation (NF). The KLF is available to advise countries on how to establish a federation and become a member of the FIL.
Success story of the ODA program
The program is already showing its first successes: Two athletes from Thailand, who first participated in the ODA program in PyeongChang in 2022, have qualified for the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in Gangwon. The Thai winter sports federation is now a provisional member of the FIL.
With such success stories and continuous support through programs like this, the foundation is being laid for a growing and sustainable luge movement in Asia.
