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The 2024 Jinchang New Century Cup China Softball League All-Star Game takes place at the Shaoxing Baseball and Softball Sports Culture Center. [Photo/Tide News]

The 2024 Jinchang New Century Cup China Softball League All-Star Game took place at the Shaoxing Baseball and Softball Sports Culture Center in Zhejiang on Oct 26, celebrating softball's return to the Olympics and marking a step forward for the development of women's sports.

The event received congratulatory messages from 16 distinguished guests, including Olympic and World Champions Yang Yang, Wu Jingyu, and Wang Liping, as well as referees and athletes who support women's sports.

Highlighting China's softball journey from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics to the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the All-Star Game celebrated the sport's Olympic legacy and the ongoing progress of women's athletics in China.

During the game, the Atlanta Olympic Team faced off against the Los Angeles Olympic Team, with the Atlanta team securing the victory thanks to a steadfast defense, defeating the Los Angeles team 4-3.

The event also featured entertaining segments like a home run derby and a pitching speed challenge. Guests Guo Jia, Li Qi, Wu Di, Tan Ying, and Yu Huili, who participated in the 2004 Athens or 2008 Beijing Olympics, took part in the exciting contests, drawing enthusiastic cheers and applause from the audience.

Tao Hua, a four-time Olympian, shared her Olympic experiences, reminiscing about the Chinese women's softball team's podium finish at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. She said she looks forward to more success at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.