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 Athletes practice at the Shaoxing Baseball and Softball Sports Culture Center. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2024 U-23 Baseball World Cup concluded on Sept 15 at the Shaoxing Baseball and Softball Sports Culture Center in Shaoxing, East China's Zhejiang province, after 10 days of intense competition throughout 50 matches. 

China finished fourth after a 1-3 defeat to Nicaragua in the battle for third place. Despite missing the podium, China's debut in the event was historic, advancing to the Super Round and medal games.

The Chinese team achieved several milestones, overcoming higher-ranked opponents in five matches, including two wins in the Super Round. This performance exceeded expectations, given that the team had never previously ranked within the top six in this level of competition.

With baseball confirmed as an event for the next Olympic Games, members of the Chinese team are seen as major contenders for the Los Angeles Olympics. Both coaches and players expressed increased confidence in their chances of qualifying thanks to their recent experiences.

This tournament marked the first WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup hosted in the Chinese mainland. Over the 10 days, 12 top teams from five continents showcased the charm of baseball to a global audience through television broadcasts. Shaoxing's exceptional organization, security, and volunteer services were crucial to the event's success, establishing the city as a reliable host.

Baseball enthusiasts traveled from across China to witness the high-level matches, with many games attracting full crowds. The advanced facilities and vibrant baseball culture of Shaoxing left a lasting impression. Cao Liqun, a baseball fan from Qingdao, Shandong province, praised Shaoxing's facilities as among the best in Asia, predicting that the city will become an important hub for baseball in China.

"China's team achieved historic results, and the event was a complete success, showcasing the host city's impressive organizational capabilities. Shaoxing has become a lucky place for Chinese baseball," said Beng Choo Low, secretary general of the WBSC. 

A representative from the Shaoxing Municipal Bureau of Sports added that the event's success bolstered confidence in utilizing post-Asian Games venues and promoting baseball and softball, enhancing Shaoxing's vision of becoming 'China's Baseball and Softball City'.