WBSC Women’s Softball World Championship Chiba 2018 officially opens

The Road to Tokyo 2020 has begun. Today the XVI WBSC Women’s Softball World Championship was officially declared open in Chiba, and from now 16 teams from five continents will try to earn the first berth in the Olympic Games.

The 16 teams were present at NASPA Stadium for the Opening Ceremony, in front of a huge crowd that fully packed the venue.

WBSC Softball Chairman, Tommy Velazquez, said: “This is the most important softball event in the last ten years. During the coming days the best players in the world will battle not only For the Title of World Champions, but also to fulfill their life-long dreams of becoming an Olympic Athlete. At the end of the World Championship one of these 15 visiting nations will join Japan as the first qualified for the next Summer Olympic Games softball competition. The Road to Tokyo 2020 officially begins today.”

“Millions of little girls around the world will be watching you and dreaming on becoming the softball stars of the future”, added Velazquez. “Show them the passion for the game, inspire them, keep the softball growing and growing around the globe”.

After the Opening Ceremony Japan and Italy will play the inaugural game of the tournament.