South Korean expert becomes Vietnam shooting team coach

Park's new contract will be effective from Nov. 3, 2023.

The 57-year-old shooter has been working as an expert for the Vietnam national shooting team since 2015.

Along with head coach Nguyen Thi Nhung, Park played a major role in helping shooter Hoang Xuan Vinh win a historic gold and a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics, and a silver at the 2015 ISSF World Championships.

He also made important contributions to shooter Pham Quang Huy’s gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games, and to shooter Trinh Thu Vinh’s qualifying for the 2024 Olympics.

However, Park was not mentioned at the post-Asian Games honors ceremony organized by the Vietnam Shooting Federation on Oct. 18. He was invited to attend the ceremony but was only an audience member witnessing honors bestowed on his players and colleagues. The incident sparked criticism and the Vietnam Sports Administration decided to appoint Park as head coach of the national shooting team.

As part of his new deal, Park will receive a salary of $6,000 per month gross before personal income tax.

The National Sports Training Center will be responsible for the contract.

The center is also responsible for Park’s work permits and for paying his insurance.

In addition to his monthly salary, Park will also receive an allowance of $300 a month, round-trip international flight tickets (economy class), visa fees, an interpreter, accommodation and other expenses according to regulations.