The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) officially opened the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2025 presented by RAXUS in Okinawa in Japan with a message of unity, history, and hope from Secretary General Beng Choo Low.
Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference on Thursday, Low highlighted the significance of Okinawa as the host city, drawing a poignant connection between its past and the present gathering of the world’s top young baseball players. “On September 2, 1945 – following the battle of Okinawa – the formal surrender ceremony marked the end of World War II, and with it, the beginning of a new era of peace. Today, nearly 80 years later, it is inspiring that Okinawa is again the stage for another important chapter in history,” she said. “The gathering of the world’s best young baseball players.”
On behalf of the WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari, Low expressed deep gratitude to Okinawa Prefecture, the cities of Naha and Itoman, and local authorities for their hospitality, as well as to the Baseball Federation of Japan, NPB Enterprise, and the Japan High School Baseball Federation for their efforts in organising the 32nd edition of the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup.
The WBSC Secretary General emphasised the global reach and tradition of the event, noting its role as a launchpad for countless professional careers. Since its inception in 1981, the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup has introduced future superstars to the international stage, and thanks to extensive international broadcasting and WBSC’s GameTime OTT platform, fans worldwide will once again have the opportunity to follow the action.
“This tournament is more than a competition — it is a tradition, a celebration of the game’s global reach, and a glimpse into the future of our sport,” Low said. “I am looking forward to an exciting tournament where new stars will rise, and the future of international baseball will once again be written.”.
AloJapan.com