Taiwan’s baseball team makes history

Baseball heroes return to Taiwan, greeted by fighter jets and a presidential tribute for their triumph

TAIPEI:

Taiwan's national baseball team will receive a special welcome from fighter jets upon their return after a historic victory at the WBSC Premier12 championship in Japan.

Baseball, deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture since its introduction during Japanese colonial rule (1895-1945), is among the nation's most beloved sports.

The team secured a decisive 4-0 win against Japan in the final at Tokyo Dome on Sunday, sparking widespread celebrations across Taiwan.

President Lai Ching-te praised the players in a phone call shared on Instagram, thanking them for bringing pride to Taiwan and showcasing the island’s achievements beyond its renowned semiconductor industry. Lai also announced that the team would be greeted at the presidential office following their arrival.

Defence Minister Wellington Koo, who watched the match at home, described the victory as a historic moment, adding that the fighter jet salute was a fitting gesture to honour the team's achievement.

Large crowds gathered in Taiwan to watch the final on outdoor screens, while businesses and restaurants marked the occasion with special discounts. Some companies, including Trend Micro, declared Monday a holiday in celebration.

Taiwan participated in the championship under the name "Chinese Taipei," a designation used in most international sporting events to sidestep political tensions with China, which claims the island as its territory.

The naming issue has been a contentious topic in Taiwan, with some advocating for the use of "Taiwan" in international competitions. A 2018 referendum rejected such a proposal, citing fears that it could provoke China to block the island’s participation in global events.

In Tokyo, Taiwanese fan Wang Ming-chang expressed hope for change, saying, "Taiwan is our country, and we want to compete under the name of Taiwan in international events. That’s our ultimate goal."