During the 3rd WBSC Congress in Sakai, Japan, the WBSC Executive Director Michael Schmidt addressed the delegates to inform about the progress of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games organization.
“We’re working very closely with the International Olympic Committee. We’re very close to have perfect conditions and be ready for the Games in less than one year,” said Schmidt.
The softball competition will be a six-team tournament playing a regular round robin, with the first and second teams competing for the gold medal, and third and fourth place playing for bronze. Six of the 17 games will be played in Fukushima, with the rest of the matches staged in Yokohama.
For baseball, the six teams will be allocated into two groups. After the Opening Round, all six teams will advance to a double-elimination bracket to define the three medal winners. One game will be staged in Fukushima, while the other 16 will be played in Yokohama.
“Hopefully, our stadiums will be fully packed, or almost complete, for all the games. Both stadiums have been renewed,” added Schmidt. “In Fukushima the field of play is new, replacing natural grass with turf; while in Yokohama new bleachers and luxury suites were added.”
The Test Event was held in Fukushima from 5-6 October, with four games of the Japanese Women’s Softball League. The field looked in a very good condition, and WBSC had the opportunity to test its operational plan, with excellent results in general term, Schmidt said.
“We’re positive that the Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (OCOG), together with the WBSC, will deliver very good Olympic Games, especially for our sports, so the fans and our athletes can enjoy a once in a lifetime experience.”
