Softball Asia is growing in power with the Congress members of 17 affiliates unanimously approving six new affiliate-members, which came up for ratification after the executive council gave provincial approval yesterday in their meeting.
Softball Asia current 17 members namely, Bhutan, Brunei, China, Hong Kong China, India, Islamic Republic-of Iran, Iraq, Philippines, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Chinese Taipei endorsed the provincial approval of the six new members – Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal, Jordan and Syria.
The Congress which met this morning for their 26th meeting chaired by Softball Asia president, Datuk Low Beng Choo together with chairman, Pan Yi Chuan (Chinese Taipei).
The meeting saw the president and secretary-general, Sally Lim, presenting a comprehension detailed report for the period 16th June to 31st October 2024 which comprised tournaments held, results, seminars and clinics – coaching, umpires, technical, scoring and Baseball5 – and future tournaments both a Asian and World level for 2025 and 2026.
Also the accounts was presented and both reports were unanimously approved.
The Congress also congratulated Taeko Utsugi (first vice-president SA, WBSC Executive Board Member-at-large, JSA vice-president and former head coach of Japan women national softball team) and Yutaka Miyake (SA advisor and former JSA President) for being
bestowed the prestigious “ Autumn 2024 Decorations” last month – awarded by the Japanese Government upon individuals who have made outstanding contributions in various fields such politics, arts and culture.
“The period of 2022 – 2024 has been very busy and challenging for SA as well as WBSC as well as WBSC as we continue to grow in strength to develop our organisation and improve the participation and quality of our tournaments, in an ever changing fast faced world, where people, especially our youth have so many options and opportunities available,” said Low who is also the secretary-general of WBSC.
“Softball Asia is indeed grateful to the WBSC president Riccardo Fraccari, and the WBS Board members, as well as the WBSC management and secretariat, led ably by the Executive Director, Michael Schmidt, for the continued support.
“We also thank all SA affiliate-national federations, as well as all athletes, officials, staff, fans, volunteers and supporters for the continued cooperation and support, and to everyone who has and continued to do their best to ensure that softball in Asia, at international, continental, regional, national and local levels despite the challenges.
“We thank Mizuno for continuing to support SA with is iconic brand of balls and attire, for our tournaments, and also our other sponsors.
“We also express gratitude to those National Federations who stepped forward to host our Asia Cup tournaments, and to help our other developing sotball teams and NFs, despite the many challenges.
“We hope that all SA affiliate-members, our athletes, officials, fans, volunteers and supporter will continue to persevere to promote and develop softball in Asia and globally to higher levels and to continue to foster the Softball Asia family unity and harmony,” concluded Low in her address to the Congress.