Catch the fun as Baseball5 World Cup begins

Eunice Lam

The Baseball5 World Cup, organized by the World Baseball Softball Confederation, is being hosted in Hong Kong for the first time at the Central Harbourfront Event Space from today through Saturday.The event is expected to attract between 3,000 and 5,000 spectators.

Andrew Fan Chun-wah, president of the Baseball Association of Hong Kong, noted the association's efforts to promote Baseball5 in over 40 primary and secondary schools leading up to the World Cup, inviting students to attend the games.

Starting today, the World Cup will feature 12 elite teams from five continents, including Japan, China, Chinese Taipei, France, and the host team from Hong Kong.

Baseball5 is played with five players on each team and can be enjoyed on any flat surface using a rubber ball.Notably, the sport is set to be included in the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics in Senegal.

Fan said Baseball5 has lower field and equipment requirements compared to traditional baseball, making it more accessible for promotion in Hong Kong.He expressed hope that hosting the World Cup could serve as a "catalyst" for introducing Baseball5 in local schools and communities, aiming to elevate it to an elite sport.

Fan said the balls used in Baseball5 matches are made of soft rubber, ensuring safety for children and teenagers.

"Before the World Cup, we promoted Baseball5 at various schools and worked with more than 40 institutions. We have also invited students and parents to attend, so more people can discover Baseball5," Fan said, adding the association plans to organize inter-school competitions in the future.

This marks the first time the SAR has hosted the tournament, which has received an "M" Mark status from the Major Sports Events Committee. Fan welcomed this recognition, saying that without the "M" Mark, the tournament would not have been possible at the Central Harbourfront.He also hopes that the globally live-streamed event will showcase positive stories about China and the SAR.

Fanexpressed optimism that future Baseball5 competitions could be held at the Kai Tak Sports Park, set to open next year.He also said there are ongoing discussions with authorities about constructing a conventional baseball field in Whitehead, Ma On Shan.

Tonight at 7.30pm, the Hong Kong Baseball5 team - comprising four men and four women - will make their debut in the opening match against South Africa.Team member Chan Tsz-ling, who has played the sport for a year, described Baseball5 as fast-paced and intense."It's quite stressful during a match - even a small mistake can allow the opponent to score quickly," she said.

Her teammate, Tai Man-kwan, who also plays volleyball and soccer, said he hopes the tournament will help promote the sport in the city.

eunice.lam@singtaonewscorp.com