Pingtan, an international tourism island off the coast of Fujian province and the closest place on the Chinese mainland to the island of Taiwan, is hosting the 2025 BFA XXXI Asian Baseball Championship from September 22 to 28. This marks the return of the continent's top baseball event to the Chinese mainland after 34 years, with the tournament last held in Beijing in 1991.

Eight Asian powerhouses - China, Chinese Taipei, Chinese Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Pakistan, and Palestine - are vying for the title and a coveted spot at the 2026 U23 Baseball World Cup.

Japan, the dominant force in Asian baseball, is aiming for its 21st Asian title. Boasting a mature professional system, meticulous tactics, and a deep talent pool, the Japanese team is among the favorites to lift the trophy. South Korea, known for its tough play, powerful hitting, and solid defense, is also a strong contender, having reached the semi-finals in the 2023 edition. Chinese Taipei, the 2019 champion and 2023 runner-up, has a proven track record and a skilled roster.

The host nation, China, is eager to shine on home turf. With home crowd support, the Chinese team is determined to make a mark in the tournament.

Fujian province has been making significant strides in promoting baseball and developing sports infrastructure. Pingtan, in particular, has been actively building its reputation as a sports events hub. The island completed the construction of the Pingtan Softball Stadium in 2015, which can accommodate nearly 5,000 spectators, filling a void for large-scale baseball and softball events in the province. Since 2018, Pingtan has been promoting baseball island-wide, bringing in coaches from Taiwan and hosting cross-Straits baseball tournaments.

The 3.9-billion-yuan Pingtan Baseball Park, completed in August 2024, is a state-of-the-art facility capable of hosting professional games. It has become an ideal venue for international competitions, injecting new impetus into the development of baseball in Fujian. Baseball has now been introduced to 25 primary and secondary schools in Pingtan.

According to a local sports official, "This event not only showcases the best of Asian baseball but also provides a platform for cultural exchange and cooperation. We hope it will inspire more young people to take up the sport and contribute to the growth of baseball in China."

(Source: Strait News)