Hanwha Group said Sunday that its chairman Kim Seung-youn praised pistol shooter Jin Jong-oh for capturing Korea’s first gold medal at the London Olympics on Saturday.

“I’m very proud of Jin for impressing the public with the nation’s first gold medal. I feel boosted on my way to Iraq,” he was quoted as telling Jin’s coach by phone from a Dubai airport.

On Saturday, Kim was leaving for Iraq where Hanwha Engineering & Construction will carry out a $8 billion housing project for 100,000 houses in Bismayah, a planned satellite city of Baghdad.

Hanwha has supported Korean shooters starting with 2000 Sydney Olympics silver medalist Kang Cho-hyun. Over the past 10 years, the group has poured 8 billion won ($7 million) into supporting the sport and players.

The 32-year-old Jin took the gold with 688.2 points during the men’s 10-meter air pistol final held at the Royal Artillery Barracks on Saturday.

(jylee@heraldcorp.com)