Hyundai Capital Coach Aims to Win in Asian Games and V-League

Volleyball is defined by some as a “sport based on sacrifice.” In other words, you need other players to receive a serve and toss the ball to make an attack. You cannot win in a volleyball game without their sacrificial play.

Hyundai Led to Championship with Scientific Management –

Hyundai Capital coach Kim Ho-chul, 51, is called “Computer Head.” He is so competitive that he cannot sleep if he loses. He always takes his “revenge.” Sports games are honest. You get results based on how much you invest. Such a tenacious spirit led Hyundai Capital to win the V League championship this year over the Samsung Fire Blue Fangs, which had been on the top for nine continuous years.

“Players of these days want to enjoy material wealth without a sense of responsibility. They don’t have a clear goal and purpose for playing volleyball,” said Kim.

Kim realizes the times are not the same as before. Players hit the ball in the spirit of “hit or die” in the past, but nowadays, they are like plants in a nursery. A player should be more like a wild flower fighting back any difficulties. The sports world does not change, however much in today’s world has changed. One should sweat for every step toward the top.

Coach Kim is known for his Spartan style of training. His motto is: “There is no meaning to number two.” He always says that once you take a step in the volleyball world, you should climb up to the top.

Called “Computer Setter” in his player days, Kim is known for managing his players like a computer. He pushed Hyundai Capital, which was always second to Samsung Fire, to the top using a scientific coaching style learned during his 20-year stay in Italy. He led the trend of grafting science on volleyball by hiring specialists from Italy such as a fighting power analyst and a fitness specialist.

Kim is working hard to catch “two rabbits” at the same time. As head coach of the men’s national volleyball team as well, he is aiming to win in the 2006 Doha Asian Games again following last year’s win, while training his Hyundai team to win the V League Championship again in the 2007 season.

Two Straight Wins in Asian Games and V League –

Kim is also trying to make changes as head coach of the men’s national volleyball team. Determined to wipe out the prejudice that players are spoiled on the national team, he wants to help the players upgrade their skills and win in the Asian Games. He is living in the Taereung National Village to be with the players at all times, which shows his strong will to become the best in Asia. There is no win without sacrifice.

yjongk@donga.com