Impressive culture show highlights WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup 2024 Opening Ceremony in China

The WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup 2024 was officially declared open by WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari on Friday as participating teams and athletes witnessed a spectacular Opening Ceremony at the impressive Shaoxing Baseball and Softball Sports Culture Center in Shaoxing, China.

President Fraccari congratulated the LOC, the Chinese Baseball Association and the local authorities for their “tremendous work” in preparing for the tournament and creating an impressive stage for international baseball’s top U-23 athletes to shine.

“I also want to express my appreciation to all the volunteers and officials who make this tournament possible and also to our much-admired athletes. Now is your turn to shine and amaze the fans with your extraordinary skills," President Fraccari said. “With a record number of TV broadcasters covering this tournament, the eyes of the world will be on you to see who can claim the Title of World Champion.”

The special guests in attendance included IOC Member and Vice President of the Chinese Olympic Committee Yu Zaiqing, President of the Chinese Baseball Association Chen Xu, Member of the Party Group and Deputy Director of Zhejiang Provincial Sports Bureau Zhu Qinan and Secretary of Shaoxing Municipal Committee of the CPC Shi Huifang,

Mr Huifang said: "The WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup is a top tier international event and its hosting makes us proud. We eagerly hope that individuals from all walks of life who love baseball will join hands, promote the popularization of baseball and enhance the exchange and integration of sports culture."

The impressive culture performances included a dynamic performance of the Diabolo and Monkey opera by the Kuaigeyuan School and the Monkey Play Inheritors.

The WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup 2024 will feature 50 games taking place from 6-15 September.