“I’ve been waiting for this day for six years.”
Eddie (24) from Mongolia was nominated by Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance as the first in the 2023 KOVO Men’s Asian Quarter Tryout & Draft held at the Jeju Sun Hotel on the 27th. This is the Korean dream that I have achieved in 6 years since I came to Korea from Mongolia in January 2017.
There were twists and turns. Last year, I completed my 5-year period of living in Korea for naturalization. The purpose was to participate in the rookie draft through naturalization. The conditions for naturalization have become more stringent. In addition to obtaining permission for permanent residency and living for more than 5 years, proof of income and tax payment have been added. It was sad news for him, who had no income as a student.
The opportunity has come. KOVO decided to introduce the Asian quota system for the first time in its history. Even before the start of the draft, he was mentioned as a top pick early. He does not need to adapt to life in Korea and is fluent in Korean. No need to worry about communication problems. Also, Eddy’s nomination seemed natural, as his skills were not inferior among the contestants. Eddy’s strength is that he can play multiple positions.
Eddie, whom I met after the draft, said, “It was so good. He waited for this day for six years.”
He reunited with director Kim Sang-woo, whom he worked with at Sungkyunkwan University. Coach Kim Sang-woo is the one who knows how to use Eddy well and paved the way for Eddy to become a volleyball player in Korea.
Eddy also said, “He is the person who helped me a lot so that I can have the skills I have now. He thinks he can learn a lot if he gets along. He seems to be able to learn more on a better stage,” he smiled.
After the draft, he said he had a brief conversation with manager Kim Sang-woo. “He said, ‘Now that I’m a professional player, not a college player, let’s work hard together,’” Eddie said.
Who came to your mind first when you were nominated?
“Family came to mind first. He suffered a lot after leaving Korea at a young age. Miss her mom a lot. I waited for 6 years, and it is an honor to be selected as the first on the day I waited.” Eddie’s words.
For a while, the road to Mongolia was blocked due to Corona 19, so I couldn’t go even if my family wanted to see it. All I had to do was appease my longing by making video calls in Korea. But now, after a long wait of six years, he became a professional player.ㅋㅋㅋ벳
Regarding Bayar Saihan (designated by Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance), who suffered together, “I am well aware of the level of skill Bayra has. Even when he wasn’t called by name until the third place, he didn’t worry. I will do my best to make him look good against a good competitor.”