Teams aim for growth and glory at WBSC Baseball5 World Cup 2024
Eleven of the 12 captains pose with the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup 2024 trophy with a stunning Hong Kong backdrop.
The WBSC Baseball5 World Cup 2024 is set to be an incredible event with 12 teams set to compete in Hong Kong for the coveted title of the second Baseball5 World Champion. The world's top Baseball5 teams will go head to head from 7 to 12 October, with games taking place at the spectacular downtown setting of Central Harbourfront Event Space.
Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference, which was
staged at the competition site with the impressive Hong Kong skyscrapers as the
backdrop, WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari was brimming with excitement as he
highlighted the increasing global popularity of Baseball5. "This event is
truly becoming a global spectacle! Baseball5's growth is becoming more and more
attractive, and the decision to include it in the Youth Olympics shows the
bright future that lies ahead. The sport is spreading to all corners of the
world, with new fans in every corner, including Africa and Bhutan!
He also emphasised the importance of the participants.
"This week, all eyes will be on you, the players, who are the real stars
of the show and ambassadors of our amazing sport."
Andrew Fan, President of the Baseball Association of Hong
Kong, China, could barely contain his excitement at the prospect of hosting the
event. "It's a tremendous honour to be holding the World Cup during the
75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China," Fan said, his voice
brimming with excitement. "Baseball5 is absolutely perfect for Hong Kong,
a vibrant, densely populated international metropolis. We really hope this
tournament will be the start of something big! We're excited to see Baseball5
take off in local schools and beyond.
Cuba, the impressive defending champions ranked No. 2 in the
world, come into the tournament as the team to beat with manager Pablo Terry
Alvarez keen to set out their objectives. "Our fundamental goal is to
retain the title we won in Mexico," Alvarez said, his eyes alight with
determination. "We're ready and raring to go! Our goal is to make it
through the first round without losing a single game, so we're in a great
position for the Super Round."
World No. 5 Japan, who finished as runners-up in 2022, are
also aiming high and hoping to take the title! "Since we lost to Cuba in
the last tournament, our target this time is to beat them and take the
championship," said head coach Kenta Wakamatsu.
World No. 1 Chinese Taipei are also fired up and ready to go. "We kept our basic strategy, but we've strengthened both our defence and offence," said manager Lin Po-Yu. "Our goal is to win the whole thing!"
Mexico coach Orlando Valle Alvarez was also optimistic on
his team’s chances as he looked for improvement on Mexico’s fifth place finish
two years ago, especially with his side include three players from last year’s bronze
medal performance at the WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup. "Before the first
World Cup, we were new to the sport, but we've come a long way since then,"
he said. "Now, we have a stronger and more experienced team, and we are
confident that our preparation will show in our performance."
Hong Kong, China coach Sergio Perez Echevarria was brimming
with excitement as he spoke about the significance of competing at home.
"Our goal is to perform better than last time," he said with a smile.
“The competition is stronger than ever and the level of play is getting better
and better every year. We are here with high hopes and raring to go."
Coach of world No. 3 Tunisia Sofien Riahi was also confident
on improving on his side’s sixth place finish at Mexico 2022, emphasising his
team's competitive spirit, "Of course, if we are here, we play to be
champions." Baseball5 in Tunisia is booming- We're thrilled to be part of
this incredible journey.
South Africa coach America Juma spoke about his team's
progress with great enthusiasm. After finishing seventh in 2022, South Africa
is now rankled 6th in the world. "We're really excited for the tournament.
We expect it to be very competitive because many teams have improved since we
last met them in Mexico in 2022. Every team has gone back to the drawing board
to refine their tactics, and we're in for a treat in this edition!"
Stephen Jerome Lesfargues, the coach of France, is looking
for significant improvement on the world No. 4’s ninth-place-finish two years
ago, especially considering France’s effort at last year’s WBSC Youth Baseball5
World Cup where they finished second to Cuba. "We're aiming high. Our goal
is to reach the Super Round and, if possible, the final,” said Lesfargues, who
team has four players from WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup and two from Mexico
2022. “We've worked hard since the last edition, and we're absolutely
determined to give it our all to win this championship!"
Lithuania coach Arvydas Birbalas added, "Our main goal
is to finish in the top six, and we're going to give it our all to make that
happen. We're aiming high and we'd love to finish in the top six."
Coach of debutants Australia, Adrian Medina Scull, was hoping
to build on leading his country to 12th place at the WBSC Youth Baseball5 World
Cup 2023. "We're here to promote this great and inclusive sport worldwide.
Team Australia is here to compete, to grow the sport, and to make our mark on
the global stage."
China's manager, Fan Xiaodong, was equally excited as he
discussed their preparation: "Since our success at the Asia Cup, we've
been training hard for this World Cup. Our goal is to show our progress and aim
for a medal."