The second edition of the Asia-Pacific Masters Games (APMG} to be hosted by Korea from May 12th to 20th, will see then inclusion of softball and baseball for a total 26 sports in 14 cities and counties at 43 venues in Jeonbuk.
Besides, baseball and Softball, roller sports, sailing, triathlon, park golf, gateball, and judo will be added, while lion dance, netball, pencak silat will be removed.
The inaugural Games was hosted by Penang in 2018 from 7th to 15th September where 22 events were competed and organised by the International Masters Games Association (IMGA).
“It is indeed an honour to see the inclusion of baseball and softball in the APMG in Korea, as it keeps the game alive at competition level for retired players and enthusiats while at the same time help promote the sports through its visibility,” said Datuk Low Beng Choo, the secretary general of the World Baseball Softball Confederation and president of Softball Asia.
The multi-sport event is open to participants of all abilities and most ages – the minimum age criterion ranges between 25 and 35 years depending on the sport. There are no competition qualification requirements apart from the age requirement and membership in that sport’s governing body. Retired athletes – World champions, Olympians, former national tem members and any sports enthusiasts – participate in the Games.
A total of 5,564 athletes from 64 nations competed in Penang, whereas the Korean Games supported by the Korea Sport & Olympic Committee, is targeting 10,000 athletes from all over the world.
While the thyme of the Games in Penang was ‘Beyond the Games’, Korea’s tagline is ‘Enjoy Sports! Play Life!’. The Masters Games is always striving for the philosophy of ‘Sport for All.”
The 24 official sports in Korea are golf, basketball, roller sports,volleyball, badminton, bowling, shooting, softball, swimming, baseball, archery, weightlifting, sailing, wushu, judo, athletics, cycling, triathlon, football, table tennis,tarekwondo, tennis and hockey (field) while two sports – gateball and park golf are demonstration sports.
Korean Sports & Olympic Committee president, Kee Heung Lee who is also an International Olympic Council, had stated that they are giving full support to the Games and hope to make a successful event.
Entries for the APMG is from January 12th to January 31st and entry guidelines can be found in Asia-Pacific Masters Games 2023 website – www.apmgh2023.kr)