The final day of the third WBSC Premier 12 on Sunday (November 12th),Taiwan-Team They defeated Japan 4-0, breaking their opponent’s 27-game winning streak in international competitions and winning the first World Cup in team history. Japanese Major League Baseball (MLB) star Shohei Ohtani also reposted Taiwan’s Top 12 Championship post on Instagram, surprising and delighting Taiwanese netizens and fans.
Ohtani Shohei retweeted Taiwan’s post about winning the Top 12 Championship. (Taken from Ohtani Instagram)
It is worth mentioning that Ohtani represented the Japanese team in last year’s classic and won the third Japanese championship in this event. In an interview after the game, he said that he would like to see better development of baseball in Asian countries: “I think it applies not only to Japan, but also to South Korea, Taiwan, China and other countries. I hope this championship can make them love baseball more.” This time, the Taiwanese team not only won the championship in response to their expectations, but also sparked baseball fever in Taiwan again.
**How might this victory influence Taiwan’s global image, and could it serve as a platform to promote Taiwan on the international stage beyond sports?**
## World Today News Interview: Taiwan’s Triumphant Rise in Baseball
**Guests:**
* **Dr. Lin Mei-Ling:** Professor of Sports Sociology, National Taiwan University
* **Mr. Chen Wei-An:** Former Taiwanese professional baseball player, analyst
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News, everyone. Today we’re discussing Taiwan’s historic victory at the WBSC Premier12, defeating Japan and ending their 27-game winning streak. We have with us Dr. Lin Mei-Ling, an expert on sports sociology, and Mr. Chen Wei-An, a former Taiwanese professional baseball player and analyst. Welcome both of you!
**Theme 1: The Significance of the Victory**
**Host:** Dr. Lin, this victory is being celebrated as a watershed moment for Taiwanese baseball. Can you elaborate on why this win is so significant, not just from a sporting standpoint, but also in terms of national pride and identity?
**Dr. Lin:**
(Responds with insights on the historical context, the impact on national morale, and the potential for the win to galvanize national unity.)
**Host:** Mr. Chen, you’ve spent years playing professional baseball in Taiwan. How do you think this victory will impact the future of the sport in the country? Will it lead to a surge in participation and interest, especially among younger generations?
**Mr. Chen:**
(Shares his perspective on the possible implications for grassroots baseball development, the inspiration for young athletes, and the potential for increased investment and attention to baseball infrastructure.)
**Theme 2: Shohei Ohtani’s Endorsement**
**Host:** Shohei Ohtani, a global baseball icon, congratulated Taiwan on their victory. How important is this endorsement for growing baseball’s popularity in Taiwan, Dr. Lin?
**Dr. Lin:**
(Discusses Ohtani’s influence both as an athlete and a role model, the potential for him to inspire a new generation of Taiwanese players, and the impact of his endorsement on international recognition of Taiwanese baseball.)
**Host:** Mr. Chen, from your experience in professional baseball, how influential can figures like Ohtani be in shaping the trajectory of a sport within a nation?
**Mr. Chen:**
(Provides insights on the power of role models, the importance of international recognition, and how Ohtani’s support potentially bridges cultural divides and promotes global sportsmanship.)
**Theme 3: Looking Ahead – The Future of Taiwanese Baseball**
**Host:** This victory raises the bar for Taiwanese baseball. Dr. Lin, what are the key challenges that Taiwanese baseball needs to address to maintain this momentum and build lasting international success?
**Dr. Lin:**
(Identifies key areas for improvement, such as player development programs, coaching resources, infrastructure investments, and strategies for competing on the international stage.)
**Host:** Mr. Chen, based on your experience, what specific steps can be taken to leverage this victory and ensure that Taiwanese baseball continues to flourish in the years to come?
**Mr. Chen:** (Offers practical recommendations, such as establishing youth development programs, attracting international coaching talent, investing in sports science and performance analysis, and fostering a stronger domestic league.)
**Host:** Dr. Lin, Mr. Chen, thank you both for sharing your invaluable insights. We’ve witnessed a remarkable moment in Taiwanese baseball history, and this discussion highlights the immense potential for the sport’s future growth and success.
