Teams aim for growth and glory at WBSC Baseball5 World Cup 2024

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."