THE Softball Asia (SA) had its 3rd Executive Council (EXCO) meeting in Kuala Lumpur and unanimously agreed that it is a rising powerhouse and have to work together and stay united to make a strong impact.
SA President Datuk Low Beng Choo in addressing the EXCO and chairpersons of the various committees, said that Asia needs to raise its game to close the gap with European teams.
“Yes, we have countries such as Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei, and China improving and narrowing the gap, if not matching the more powerful countries, but we need to see more teams raise the standard,” said Low.
“We need to see more Asian countries take up the game, and our emphasis should immediately be on grassroots development,” said Low as she welcomed the latest member,Vietnam,to join the fold.
“We should all work together as a united family. There is no need for anyone to like anyone, but just come together to work in the name of the game,” said Low to thunderous applause from the members.
Among the agendas discussed at the meeting were the SA 2024 calendar of events, hosts for the various competitions, receiving the reports of the various competitions held in 2023, and other matters arising.
One major decision taken was that SA will continue to hold the Asian Under-12 mixed gender softball competition, as part of their development programme.
“While the World Cup for the Under-12 mixed gender will no longer be held due ro problems with the host and logistics, SA will continue to hold it as we feel that he tournament is a great starter for the young ones and it is an exciting tournament for our future stars,” said Low.
Low made special mention of the Japan Softball Association for continuously supporting the development of the game by offering their expertise in conducting coaching and technical courses to its members, and the Chinese Taipei Softball Association for hosting an Asian or world tournament each year.
She said she was looking forward to other members stepping forward to host tournaments as it was one way to promote the game in their country and also for their own team to do well with home support.
Low concluded the meeting thanking all the members for coming for the meeting which underlines their commitment towards the game in Asia.