2025 Women's Softball Asia Cup Concludes in Xi'an
The 2025 Women’s Softball Asia Cup wrapped up on July 20 at the Huyi Campus of Xi'an Sports University. Due to heavy rainfall, the scheduled bronze medal match between Chinese Taipei and the Philippines, as well as the championship final between China and Japan, were unfortunately canceled. The final standings were determined based on the results of the round-robin games. Japan claimed the championship with a perfect 9-0 record, while China secured silver with 8 wins and 1 loss. Chinese Taipei earned the bronze with 7 victories and 2 defeats. These three teams also earned spots in the Women’s Softball World Cup group stage. Additionally, the top eight teams have secured entry to the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Award Ceremony
- Champion: Japan
- Runner-up: China
- Third Place: Chinese Taipei
Individual Awards for the 2025 Women’s Softball Asia Cup
- Best Pitcher: Chai Xin'an (China)
- Best Batter: Kawamura Risa (Japan)
- Best Defensive Player: Jiang Ting'en (Chinese Taipei)
- Home Run King: Cruz (Philippines)
- Stolen Base King: Ishikawa Kyoko (Japan)
- RBI King: Chen Jiayi (Chinese Taipei)
2025 Women’s Softball Asia Cup Best XI
- Pitchers: Right-handed – Chai Xin'an (China), Left-handed – Goto Nozomi (Japan)
- Catcher: Xi Kailin (China)
- First Base: Daniel Elisa (Philippines)
- Second Base: Sudo Shibu (Japan)
- Third Base: Wang Bei (China)
- Shortstop: Ishikawa Kyoko (Japan)
- Outfielders: Jiang Ting'en (Chinese Taipei), Yan Siyu (China), Shen Jiawen (Chinese Taipei)
- Designated Hitter: Ren Min (China)
2025 Women’s Softball Asia Cup Most Valuable Player
- Fujimori Nami (Japan)
- Ren Min (China)
Reflecting on China’s Journey in the 2025 Asia Cup
The 2025 Women’s Softball Asia Cup marks the end of China’s campaign, and it’s been a remarkable one. In the early stages of the round-robin, China showed strong momentum, winning consecutive games and allowing their team to build cohesion. As they progressed, they faced tougher opponents like the Philippines, Japan, and Chinese Taipei, each match bringing fresh challenges. Throughout, the team’s resilience stood out, a sentiment echoed by head coach Tang Changdong, who praised the players’ \"tenacity.\"
One match where this resilience was particularly evident came against the Philippines. With the game nearing its end and China trailing, the team refused to give up. They rallied with a series of key hits, culminating in a dramatic \"walk-off\" single that turned the game in their favor. This comeback not only showcased their fighting spirit but also boosted the team’s morale for the remainder of the tournament. \"This match truly exemplified the unyielding fighting spirit of the players,\" said Tang Changdong.
Since taking over the team in 2023, Tang Changdong has maintained high standards in shaping the squad. The team began intense training in May, with some players even playing through injuries. Through sheer determination, the players overcame these obstacles, demonstrating the strength and character of Chinese softball. As Tang Changdong sees it, their effort embodies the spirit of Chinese softball.
Preparing for the 2025 World Games in Chengdu
After the Asia Cup, China’s women’s softball team didn’t take a break and quickly shifted their focus to the upcoming World Games in Chengdu. \"We will adjust our preparation quickly and aim to finish in the top two of our group,\" Tang said. Additionally, the team has secured a spot in the World Cup group stage. Tang is optimistic, stating, \"We hope that through hard work, we can push for a spot in the top four.\"
The 2025 Asia Cup, held at the Huyi Campus of Xi’an Sports University, provided an excellent platform for the exchange of softball skills in Asia. The event was live-streamed across multiple platforms, offering fans a clear and immersive experience of the competition, even if they couldn’t be there in person.
