SOFTBALL AND BASEBALL INCLUDED IN APMG IN KOREA

The second edition of the Asia-Pacific Masters Games (APMG} to be

hosted by Korea from May 12 th to 20 th , will see then inclusion of softball

and baseball for a total 26 sports in 14 cities and counties at 43 venues

in Jeonbuk.

The inaugural Games was hosted by Penang 2018 in from 7th to 15th

September where 22 events were competed and organised by

the International Masters Games Association (IMGA).

“It is indeed an honour to see the inclusion of baseball and softball in

the APMG in Korea, as it keeps the game alive at competition level for

retired players and enthusiats while at the same time help promote

the sports through its visibility,” said Datuk Low Beng Choo, the

secretary general of the World Baseball Softball Confederation and

president of Softball Asia.

The multi-sport event is open to participants of all abilities and most

ages – the minimum age criterion ranges between 25 and 35 years

depending on the sport. There are no competition qualification

requirements apart from the age requirement and membership in that

sport's governing body. Retired athletes - World champions,

Olympians, former national tem members and any sports enthusiasts -

participate in the Games.

A total of 5,564 athletes from 64 nations competed in Penang,

whereas the Korean Games supported by the Korea Sport & Olympic

Committee, is targeting 10,000 athletes from all over the world.

While the thyme of the Games in Penang was ‘Beyond the Games’,

Korea’s tagline is ‘Enjoy Sports! Play Life!’. The Masters Games is

always striving for the philosophy of ‘Sport for All.”

The 24 official sports in Korea are golf, basketball, roller

sports,volleyball, badminton, bowling, shooting, softball, swimming,

baseball, archery, weightlifting, sailing, wushu, judo, athletics, cycling,

triathlon, football, table tennis,tarekwondo, tennis and hockey (field)

while two sports - gateball and park golf are demonstration sports.

Korean Sports & Olympic Committee president, Kee Heung Lee who is

also an International Olympic Council, had stated that they are giving

full support to the Games and hope to make a successful event.

Entries for the APMG is from January 12 th to January 31 st and entry

guidelines can be found in Asia-Pacific Masters Games 2023 website -

www.apmgh2023.kr)