Austin Table Tennis Club Shines at the 7th Korean American National Championship in Atlanta!

Q: 1. As president of the Austin Chapter of the Korean Table Tennis Association, what were your thoughts on participating in the recent tournament in Atlanta?

Clark: It was a wonderful experience for our Austin team. This year's event was the KTTA President's Cup, which is held every two years. It alternates with the Korean National Sports Festival (Jeonguk Cheyuk Daehoe), another biennial event where Korean-American athletes from across the United States compete in a variety of sports. The winners of the competition at the National Sports Festival earn the opportunity to represent the U.S. and compete against overseas Korean teams from around the world in the finals held in Korea. The KTTA President's Cup brought together players representing Korean table tennis associations from cities and states across the United States. It was much more than just a competition—it was an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet new people, and strengthen the Korean table tennis community nationwide. One thing I especially appreciate about this tournament is that it allows us to invite non-Korean players to represent their team. We were fortunate to invite Alan to play for Team Austin, and it was a great experience competing together. I believe that kind of inclusiveness makes our community even stronger.

Q: 2. As a dad, how important is it for your kids to participate in the tournament?

Clark: It means a lot to me. Beyond the competition, I want my kids to experience sportsmanship, teamwork, and the confidence that comes from challenging themselves. They also had the chance to meet players from different parts of the country and build new friendships through table tennis. This tournament was especially meaningful for our family. My daughter [Ellie] had the opportunity to play a singles match against the husband of a 1988 Olympic gold medalist, which was a unique experience. My son, Justin, was also selected as a KTTA scholarship recipient and received a scholarship certificate and scholarship award. As a parent, seeing my children recognized not only for their participation but also for their dedication and character made me incredibly proud.

Q: 3. What was the highlight of the tournament for you?

Clark: There were many memorable moments, but what stood out the most was seeing our Austin team support one another throughout the tournament. Everyone encouraged each other, competed with great sportsmanship, and represented our club with pride. I was also very proud of what our team accomplished on the table. Team Austin brought home three gold medals and one silver medal, a reflection of the hard work and dedication of all our players [including Sunjong, Alan, Ellie, and Justin]. Beyond the medals, seeing my children create unforgettable memories—including Justin receiving a KTTA scholarship—and watching players of all ages and backgrounds come together because of their shared passion for table tennis made this tournament truly special. Events like the KTTA President's Cup remind me that table tennis is about much more than winning matches. It is about building friendships, developing the next generation, and strengthening our community. Ending the weekend with our teammates and families at the Georgia Aquarium was the perfect way to celebrate the tournament. Those shared experiences and memories are what make these trips truly special.

2 days ago
4 min read

Six people, including members of the Austin Table Tennis Club wearing their newly won medals, posing together in front of a blue and white checkered step-and-repeat banner next to a South Korean flag. — Team Austin at the 7th Korean American National Table Tennis Championship. | Photo by: Clark Kim

By David Yeakle

Fresh off the tables from Norcross, Georgia, the energy is still electric! On June 27, 2026, a powerhouse contingent from the Austin Table Tennis Club (ATTC) traveled to the Atlanta metro area to compete in the 7th Korean American National Table Tennis Championship (KTTA USA President’s Cup).

To say our players reaped the rewards of their hard work would be an understatement. Facing off against top-tier talent from across the United States, ATTC members made their presence known, bringing home an incredible haul of three gold medals and one silver medal!

Dream Team in Action

A wide view of a gymnasium filled with table tennis tables, showing multiple players actively competing in matches with spectators watching in the background. — Team Austin Players competing at the KTTA President's Cup | Photo by Clark Kim

Our Austin squad showcased the perfect blend of experience, youth talent, and community spirit. The team was anchored by brilliant performances across the board:

Clark Kim: Serving double duty as a competitor and the President of the Austin
Chapter of the Korean Table Tennis Association.
Sunjong Yun: Bringing fierce competitiveness, steady leadership, and deep passion to the tables, helping anchoring the team's spirit.
Alan Xian: Proving that community knows no boundaries, Alan joined the squad as a special invited non-Korean player, fitting into the ATTC-Korean sports family seamlessly and delivering phenomenal play.
Ellie Kim & Justin Kim: The next generation of ATTC excellence. Ellie and Justin not only played their hearts out but also walked away with some of the weekend's most unforgettable highlights.

When the dust settled, the medals were a wonderful bonus, but the true victory was the camaraderie, sportsmanship, and memories made—including a post-tournament celebratory team trip to the Georgia Aquarium.

Behind the Paddle: An Interview with Clark Kim

ATTC member and KTTA Austin Chapter President, Clark Kim, generously provided us an insider’s look at the tournament’s significance, the big wins, family pride, and what makes this event so special.

1. As president of the Austin Chapter of the Korean Table Tennis Association, what were your thoughts on participating in the recent tournament in Atlanta?

Clark: It was a wonderful experience for our Austin team. This year's event was the KTTA President's Cup, which is held every two years. It alternates with the Korean National Sports Festival (Jeonguk Cheyuk Daehoe), another biennial event where Korean-American athletes from across the United States compete in a variety of sports. The winners of the competition at the National Sports Festival earn the opportunity to represent the U.S. and compete against overseas Korean teams from around the world in the finals held in Korea.

The KTTA President's Cup brought together players representing Korean table tennis associations from cities and states across the United States. It was much more than just a competition—it was an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet new people, and strengthen the Korean table tennis community nationwide.

One thing I especially appreciate about this tournament is that it allows us to invite non-Korean players to represent their team. We were fortunate to invite Alan to play for Team Austin, and it was a great experience competing together. I believe that kind of inclusiveness makes our community even stronger.

2. As a dad, how important is it for your kids to participate in the tournament?

Sunjong and Alan standing on the first-place podium step holding large presentation checks, surrounded by other competitors on the second and third-place steps in front of a KTTA tournament backdrop. — First-place medalists Sunjong and Alan on the podium | Photo by Clark Kim

Clark: It means a lot to me. Beyond the competition, I want my kids to experience sportsmanship, teamwork, and the confidence that comes from challenging themselves. They also had the chance to meet players from different parts of the country and build new friendships through table tennis.

This tournament was especially meaningful for our family. My daughter [Ellie] had the opportunity to play a singles match against the husband of a 1988 Olympic gold medalist, which was a unique experience. My son, Justin, was also selected as a KTTA scholarship recipient and received a scholarship certificate and scholarship award. As a parent, seeing my children recognized not only for their participation but also for their dedication and character made me incredibly proud.

3. What was the highlight of the tournament for you?

Clark: There were many memorable moments, but what stood out the most was seeing our Austin team support one another throughout the tournament. Everyone encouraged each other, competed with great sportsmanship, and represented our club with pride.

I was also very proud of what our team accomplished on the table. Team Austin brought home three gold medals and one silver medal, a reflection of the hard work and dedication of all our players [including Sunjong, Alan, Ellie, and Justin].

Beyond the medals, seeing my children create unforgettable memories—including Justin receiving a KTTA scholarship—and watching players of all ages and backgrounds come together because of their shared passion for table tennis made this tournament truly special.

Events like the KTTA President's Cup remind me that table tennis is about much more than winning matches. It is about building friendships, developing the next generation, and strengthening our community. Ending the weekend with our teammates and families at the Georgia Aquarium was the perfect way to celebrate the tournament. Those shared experiences and memories are what make these trips truly special.

A group of people smiling and looking through a glass viewing tunnel at a penguin exhibit with a rocky enclosure, taken during their visit to the Georgia Aquarium. — Team Austin members celebrating the weekend with a post-tournament trip to the Georgia Aquarium. | Photo by: Clark Kim

Congratulations to Team Austin! Next time you see Clark, Sunjong, Alan, Ellie, or Justin around the club, be sure to give them a high-five (and maybe ask Justin to see that scholarship certificate!). Let's keep this momentum rolling into the summer season!

Register for the Summer 2026 Youth Training Camp