1. Club and Early Career
Kim On-A began her professional career in handball and has been actively involved in club play. Since 2013, she has been a member of the women's handball team affiliated with the Incheon Metropolitan City Sports Council, showcasing her long-standing commitment to the sport within South Korea.
2. National Team Career
Her national team career encompasses participation in multiple major international handball events, including the Olympic Games, Asian Games, and World Championship, where she contributed to various team successes.
2.1. Olympic Games
Kim On-A made her Olympic Games debut at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, where she was part of the South Korean national team that secured a bronze medal in women's handball. This marked an early highlight in her international career.
She continued to represent South Korea at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. However, her participation was cut short when she sustained a knee injury during the team's first match. This injury unfortunately prevented her from competing in subsequent games and was cited as a factor in the South Korean women's handball team's inability to secure a medal for the third consecutive Olympic Games, breaking a long-standing medal streak.
Despite the setback, Kim On-A made her third Olympic appearance at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, further cementing her status as a veteran player for the national team. The team finished 10th in that tournament.
2.2. Asian Games
Kim On-A also played a crucial role in South Korea's performance at the Asian Games. She was part of the South Korean team that earned a bronze medal at the 2010 Asian Games held in Guangzhou, China.
Her contributions continued to be vital, as she helped the team win a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea. This victory was particularly significant as it occurred on home soil.
She achieved another gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia, demonstrating her sustained high level of performance and leadership over several years.
2.3. World Championship
Kim On-A was also a member of the South Korean squad that competed in the 2011 World Women's Handball Championship, where the team finished in 11th place.
3. Personal Life
Kim On-A is known for playing alongside her younger sister, Kim Seon-hwa (김선화Kim Seon-hwaKorean), on the same team. Their joint presence on the national team has been a notable aspect of their careers.