Eom Ji-sung is an Asian Games gold medallist after scoring the only goal as South Korea beat Japan 1–0 in the final — and the Swansea City man has lifted a huge weight from his shoulders along with the trophy.

His winner secured gold against his country’s great rivals and qualifies him for the sporting alternative to South Korea’s lengthy full-time military service, subject to formal approval. There are still duties to fulfil: a short spell of basic military training, followed by obligations under the 34-month sports-personnel scheme, including 544 hours of approved community service. Crucially, he can continue his football career while meeting those requirements. For Eom, this is a moment of national pride with enormous personal significance; for the Swans, it removes the prospect of a prolonged military absence. One goal, a gold medal and a brighter future.

Eom spun and turned to fire home the only goal of the game in the second half. (Below)

Swans supporters will remember Ki Sung-yueng facing a similar situation, with South Korea’s bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympics qualifying him to avoid lengthy full-time military service. Ki still completed four weeks of basic military training in the summer of 2016, while a Swansea player, before returning to club football. His experience shows why Eom’s gold matters so much: sporting success protects a player’s career from a prolonged interruption, although military obligations still remain.

There are still hurdles ahead for Eom, with the formal approval of his sports-personnel status and the scheduling of basic military training to come. He will also need to meet the requirements of the 34-month scheme, including 544 hours of approved community service, alongside his football commitments. Swansea and the player will have to plan carefully around those duties, but the biggest uncertainty has been lifted: Eom can now look ahead to building his career without the prospect of a lengthy spell away on full-time military service. And as per Ki he can complete his obligations out of season is the expectation.

This in turn will affect his transfer value, despite him playing his best football of his career clubs who find him of interest over the two transfer windows to come will want to see all of Eom’s status approved before enhancing their interest. That’s for the future, for today we have Eom back on Tuesday in the Swansea fold ready for the return to Championship business this Saturday at home to Norwich City. (12:30pm)

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