(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Japan Clinch Asian Baseball Championship, Secure Spot at U-23 Baseball World Cup 2026
Fuzhou, China – September 2025:
World No. 1 Japan showcased their dominance at the XXXI BFA Asian Baseball Championship, claiming back-to-back titles after a powerful 11-0 victory over Chinese Taipei in the final. With this win, Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Korea secured their places at the upcoming WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup 2026, to be held in Nicaragua.
Japan’s Commanding Final Performance
The Japanese team came out firing, putting up seven runs in just two innings. Designated hitter Toyo Kumada, shortstop Manami Soeda, left fielder Keisho Amiya, and center fielder Ryosuke Aizawa all delivered two-hit performances. Aizawa drove in three RBIs, while Amiya added two more.
Starter Kazuki Kondo pitched six brilliant innings, allowing six hits and striking out nine to secure the win. Relievers Yoshiki Fuchigami and Shuichiro Kayo closed the game with three perfect innings, sealing Japan’s 21st Asian Championship title.
Manager Tomoyasu Kawaguchi praised the collective effort:
“This is a victory that we all won together. I am grateful to every player and staff member who worked so hard for this achievement.”
Korea Claim Bronze Over Hosts China
In the bronze medal match, Korea edged past China 4-3. Key RBIs from Jongseong Im and Seojin Oh turned the game around after a defensive error, while Jaehun Yang pitched 4.2 solid innings to secure the win.
Final Standings
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Japan
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Chinese Taipei
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Korea
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China
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Palestine
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Philippines
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Hong Kong-China
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Pakistan
The tournament drew enthusiastic crowds, with 4,400 fans attending the final and bronze medal matches at Pingtang County Stadium.
Looking Ahead – U-23 Baseball World Cup 2026
The VI WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup will take place in Nicaragua from November 6 to 15, 2026. Proposed venues include:
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Soberanía National Stadium (Managua)
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Roberto Clemente Stadium (Masaya)
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Rigoberto López Pérez Stadium (León)
So far, Nicaragua (host), Great Britain, and Czechia have confirmed their participation. The remaining teams will qualify through regional tournaments in the Americas, Africa, and Oceania later this year.
BFA President Jefferey Koo Jr. expressed optimism for the sport’s growth in China:
“I will do my best to make baseball popular in China, and I hope to see China’s Baseball World Ranking climb in the future.”
⚾ Key Takeaway: Japan continue to dominate Asian baseball, while fans worldwide now turn their attention to Nicaragua, where the U-23 World Cup 2026 promises to bring the best young talent together on the global stage.
