Family’s final respects paid to South Korean equestrian

Seoul, Dec 15: South Korea's Kim Hyung-chil, who died after a heavy fall in the equestrian event at the Asian Games, was buried in Seoul on Thursday (December 14). Kim's body was cremated and taken to national cemetery, where a solemn procession of family and friends bade their last farewells.

Kim is survived by his 42-year-old wife, 10-year-old son Kim Min-suk and 13-year-old daughter.

Rain lashed down as Kim's horse Bundaberg Black rolled over him after he fell in the individual cross country event at the Doha Racing and Equestrian club on December 7.

The 47-year-old was the 11th eventer to tackle the course in the wet conditions. He fell at fence eight.

Kim was taken to hospital near the athlete's village but died without regaining consciousness.

Organisers suspended the 32-rider event which was being staged on a 2,470 metre course containing 23 fences.

Seoul-based Kim was a silver medallist on home soil in Busan four years ago. He was the son of the man who introduced the sport to the country.

Doha had been Kim's fourth Asian Games. He taught and coached the sport.

Bureau Report