The preparation for the new season of the V League includes an entertainment show "Miracle Coach," where Korean volleyball star Kim Yong-kun shares behind-the-scenes moments from his team's life.
An unexpected star of this show has become Mongolian volleyball player Inkushi, whose full name is ENKHSOEL Jamyaanpurev. Her success story, filled with challenges and perseverance, has captured the audience's attention, just like Kim, who is her coach.
Inkushi left her family in Mongolia in her youth, striving to fulfill her dream in a new country. She overcame difficulties, including injuries, and always found the strength to rise again. Her simple yet sincere responses to Kim's questions—"Yes, yes"—made her popular among viewers, who began to call her "Nepkushi," which is related to the Korean word for "yes" and her last name.
After the show ended, Inkushi returned to her studies but soon received an invitation to join the Jung Kwan Jang Red Sparks team. She signed a contract, replacing the injured Thai attacker Wipava Sritong.
On Wednesday morning, Inkushi returned from Mongolia, where she was obtaining a work visa, and arrived the same day at the training center of Jeong Kwan Jang in Daejeon.
Despite Inkushi's charm and hard work, there are some concerns. In April, she failed to qualify for the Asian competitions. Korean athletes with similar skills may be selected and trained, but foreign players are expected to deliver quick results.
Jeong Jin, the head coach of the Mokpo Women's Commercial High School where Inkushi studied, recalls that she considered changing her citizenship in her youth, anticipating such difficulties. However, the naturalization process in Korea takes at least five years, and Inkushi moved there only in 2022.
Kim played an important role in realizing Inkushi's dream of a professional career. When Inkushi announced her contract signing, Kim reportedly told her, "This is just the beginning. Show everything you are capable of."
What is the most important lesson I learned from Kim? Self-confidence and a positive attitude.
"I used to give up easily, thinking I couldn't do it," Inkushi shares her experience during filming in Japan. "But then I learned to believe in myself and decided to try. At first, I cried and couldn't eat, wondering why I was failing when I was given a chance. But I promised myself to show a different side, and in the end, I was praised."
She continues to follow Kim's advice: "Even if you fail, maintain a positive attitude."
A brief trip to Mongolia became a triumph for her. Thanks to the show, more people began to recognize her, although her family's reaction was reserved.
"My parents didn't watch the show and don't understand how popular the V League is," she says. "They just told me to stay healthy." Nevertheless, her mother added, "Don't be afraid—give it your all."
Inkushi comes from a sports family: her father is a traditional wrestler, and her mother is a former volleyball player.
"They always told me to eat well and take care of my health," she adds.
Inkushi made her V League debut on Friday in a home match against GS Caltex, and there are high hopes for her, especially after the successful performance of her predecessor, Megawati Hangestri Pertivi.
She considers her main strength to be her attacking potential, although she acknowledges that she needs to improve her defensive play.
"In Mongolia, we didn't focus on defense in our youth," Inkushi explains.
Even in high school, Inkushi engaged in individual training in addition to team practices. After joining Jeong Kwan Jang, she began evening training sessions with coach Lee Kang-joo, an expert in defensive strategies.
When asked about her idols in volleyball, Inkushi named Pyo Seung-joo, who skillfully handled both attacking and defensive actions in the show.
"She was one of those players who just did everything without being told," Inkushi noted. When told that such players are called "salrimkkun" or "home players," she smiled and repeated, "Salrimkkun, salrimkkun."
Fans hope that in the future, Inkushi will obtain Korean citizenship and be able to represent the country on the international stage. This is just one of many opportunities opening up for her.
"Initially, I want to succeed as a player under the Asian quota," she says. "If I am valued, perhaps later I can change my citizenship and participate in the rookie draft as a Korean."
Tatar S.Maidar
source: MiddleAsianNews
