Kang Ajeong: "We will keep fighting to be at the Olympics again"

NANTES (2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - As Korea opened their 2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT) campaign against Nigeria on Tuesday, Kang Ajeong did everything in her power to give the East Asians a chance of battling it out for one of the five places at stake for the Rio Olympics.

The 1.80m forward couldn't have shown a better example of her will to remain in contention than her 22-point performance - including  6 made three-pointers -  and 3 assists.  

Yet, Korea fell to Nigeria in the waning seconds of the contest. 

Kang Ajeong talked to FIBA.com.

FIBA.com: Coming to the WOQT, what was your goal?
Kang Ajeong: As a team we stuck together to prove some critics back home were wrong. Because of the good quality of teams at the WOQT, many commentators ruled us out from the five places for Rio. The game against Nigeria showed that we can compete.

When we arrived in Nantes, we didn’t think of going home after two games. - Kang Ajeong

FIBA.com: What lessons can you take from a tournament like this?
Kang Ajeong: This is a tough competition. When we arrived in Nantes, we didn't think of going home after two games. We are competitors and we'll keep fighting no matter who we face. Personally, I always step on the court prepared to fight. I did that against Nigeria, but things didn't work in our favour.

Korea 

FIBA.com: What was the team's mood after the loss against Nigeria?
Kang Ajeong: Very disappointed. We did everything right until the final moments of the game. I think we are on the same level as Nigeria, but they play harder than us.

FIBA.com: Korea last played at the Olympics in 2008. When do you think you will be able to reach the Olympics again?
Kang Ajeong: We are still in contention here in Nantes. We will do our best against Belarus. If we win, then anything is possible. We are not ready to go home without a win. We will keep fighting to be at the Olympics again.

FIBA