LAGOS – The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) President, Riccardo Fraccari, has described the decision to make the Olympics programme more flexible like being called “off the bench” with the “bases loaded’’.
According to “Insidegames’’ an online publisher, baseball and softball are expected to be included in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, following the decision by the International Olympic Committee to make Olympic programmes more flexible.
It recalled that baseball and softball was dropped from the Olympics after the 2008 Beijing Games.
“There is excitement circulating around the baseball and softball world and there is hope that our athletes will have the opportunity to play for their country, aiming to win Olympic medal.
“The reforms herald a new era for sports and athletes worldwide, and provide expectation and inspiration for sports and athletes wanting to participate in the Olympic Games.
“It’s like when the manager calls you off the bench to pick up the bat and warm up and the bases are loaded. All you want do is swing for the fence,’’ the statement quoted Fraccari as saying.
It added that baseball and softball have very deep historic and contemporary connections in sporting communities and at all levels of society in Japan; the sport is gaining worldwide popularity and growth.
Tokyo 2020 President Yoshirō Mori confirmed they had already been approached by sports wanting to be added to the programme but refused to officially name such sports.
“The 40 [Agenda 2020] recommendations that have been adopted in the 127th session of the international Olympic Committee cover a wide range of topics,’’ Mori said.
These topics include promotion of maximum use of existing facilities as well as potential inclusion of additional events to the Games. (NAN)
Tokyo 2020 door open for baseball, softball
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