The announcement marks one month to go to the start of the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup, which takes place from 6-15 September in Shaoxing City, China.
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<p>The World Baseball Softball Confederation
(WBSC) and Chinese Baseball Association (CBA) have signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) to bolster the popularity and commercialisation of baseball
in China. </p>
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<p>This agreement - which is announced one month from the start of the <a href="https://www.wbsc.org/en/events/2024-v-u-23-baseball-world-cup/home">WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup</a>, which takes place from 6-15 September in Shaoxing City, China - marks a significant step towards enhancing the level of the Chinese national teams, currently ranked 24th in the <a href="https://wbsc.org/en/rankings/baseball-m">WBSC/KONAMI Men’s Baseball World Ranking</a> and 14th in the <a href="https://wbsc.org/en/rankings/baseball-w">WBSC/KONAMI Women’s Baseball World Ranking</a>, and expanding baseball activities within the country.</p>
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<p>A key component of the MoU, which aims to foster a robust baseball environment in
China through structured programmes and collaboration with CBA, is the establishment of comprehensive training programmes and
regional hubs, which will allow children to develop their baseball skills and
provide specialised coaching for elite players, as well as coaches and
officials. This structured approach aims to foster a robust foundation for
baseball talent in China.</p>
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<p>The WBSC will also support the CBA in
encouraging investments in baseball infrastructure. This includes the
development of baseball fields and facilities, as well as boosting the
manufacturing of baseball apparel and equipment within the country. </p>
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<p>On the commercial front, the CBA plans to
upgrade its league system to enhance commercial operations. This strategic move
aims to integrate Chinese teams into WBSC-related international programmes,
elevating their competitive edge on the global stage.</p>
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<p>Pinghu, Shenzhen, Zhongshan, Yizheng,
Weihai, Hangzhou, Shaoxing, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Pingtan and Zhangzhou have all been
identified as primary locations for baseball development, with the regional
focus ensuring widespread access to baseball, nurturing the sport's growth
across the nation.</p>
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<p>WBSC President Ricardo Fraccari said: “The
signing of this Memorandum of Understanding between the WBSC and Chinese
Baseball Association represents a significant milestone in our shared mission
to grow and commercialise baseball in China. </p>
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<p>“By establishing comprehensive training programmes and regional hubs, the WBSC and CBA aim to nurture the next generation of baseball talent and elevate the performance of the Chinese national teams, which are already making their mark on the global stage.</p>
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<p>“The WBSC is committed to supporting the
CBA in their endeavours and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to CBA
President Xu Chen for his leadership and partnership."</p>
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