Seoul: Greg Easton, the new president of World Archery, commended the South Korean city of Gwangju for its successful organization of the ongoing world championships. Easton expressed a desire for the sport's global governing body to return for more international events.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Easton was elected president of World Archery in Gwangju during the 56th World Archery Congress on September 3, just two days before the World Archery Championships commenced. On the final day of the competition, Easton applauded the efforts of the local organizers and the enthusiasm of archery fans in Gwangju.

Easton stated, "The competition has been fantastic, very well organized by the organizing committee here. The feeling in the city, the passion, the heartbeat of the sport here, you can really feel it. It helps us understand how much sport can bring us together." When questioned about any areas for improvement, Easton replied, "I would say no."

Easton highlighted the symbolic significance of hosting the final matches at the May 18 Democracy Plaza in Gwangju's old downtown. The plaza commemorates the 1980 pro-democracy uprising and is located next to Jeonil Building 245, a site notable for its historical significance during the protests against a military junta 45 years ago.

"It's an honor to be here, with the building across the street and learning about what's happened here," Easton noted. "It's a good place to have this to help make that connection between peace in our countries and sport."

Gwangju, which previously hosted an Archery World Cup event, is a city that World Archery is eager to revisit for future international events, Easton added. "The heartbeat of the city here, how much you love the sport, the excellence in the organization and the support both from the city and the local organizing committee and the local archery federation ... we'd welcome the opportunity to come back," Easton said.