PIXS BY HAN YASSIN
The 25th Softball Asia Congress held this morning in Kuala Lumpur saw overwhelming support for the incumbents lead by chairman Pan Yi Chuan and president Datuk Low Beng Choo, that the previous council were elected in unanimously for the 2026-2030 term.
Beng Choo was returned unopposed for her third consecutive term in her fourth time leading the association. Pan was the president for one term (2014-2018), while Beng Choo was first time president from 2000-2014).
The Congress after a roll call which saw a delegation of 50 attending, chairman Pan gave his opening address and congratulated the members for their close cooperation as a family to rise the standard Of softball in Asia.
This was followed by the address by Low, who is also the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) secretary-general, who echoed Pan’s sentiments and added that Softball Asia had worked very hard to be where they are now.
“We plan ahead and a vision and more often than not plan ahead four to eight years ahead to assist our members elevate their standards” said Low in her address
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“We are grateful to members like Japan and Chinese Taipei and more lately China and Korea for assisting in expertise, organsing tournaments and even monetarily to assist Softball Asia.
“We have truly shown our Asia family ties to move forward by leaps and bound.”
WBSC president Riccardo Fraccari, was supposed to come for the Congress but could not make it because of last minute duties, however sent a video message, who was played to the Congress.
In his speech, he apologised for failing to be present, but wished the Congress the very best for their meeting.
“I congratulate Softball Asia for being a very active Continent who are doing so much for the game.” he said.
“Softball Asia also works very closely with WBSC for the development of the game.
“I am confident that Softball Asia will continue to shine especially with the coming two years going be a busy calendar years.
“Many new talent have surfaced from Asia and I am sure this is going to continue with your continuous hard work.”
All received unanimously approval before WBSC Asia-Oceania liaison officer for Juan Hsuan (Aki) Huang gave a presentation on WBSC’s role and the benefits Asia can reap on.
This was followed by the election process which was conducted by Datuk M. Rajasekaran, Softball Asia legal advisor
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After rounds of congratulations from the members, the meeting concluded with Low in her conclusion urging all members to continue with their hard work in their respective countries and give support and cooperation to Softball Asia to develop the game further in Asia.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS (2026-2030):
Chairman: Pan Yi Chuan
President: Datuk mLow Beng Choo
Advisor: Yutaka Miyake
First Vice-Presidents: Taeko Utsugi
Vice Presidents:
Kim Eun Young
Zheng Lu
Yotsakrai Phaninpanitporn (Art)
Jean Henri Lhuillier
Secretary general: Lim Swee Gaik, Sally