TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Deputy Education Minister and Sports Administration Director-General on Tuesday (Nov. 19) visited the airport to commend the Chinese Taipei baseball team (中華台北棒球代表隊) for advancing to the 2024 WBSC Premier 12 semifinals. They presented the team with an NT$200,000 bonus as a token of encouragement.
Deputy Education Minister Chang Liao Wan-chien (張廖萬堅) expressed plans to travel to Tokyo with Sports Administration Director-General Cheng Shih-chung (鄭世忠) during the semifinals to support the team. He said their presence would boost morale and support the players.
The Sports Administration has approved NT$25 million in training funds and NT$13 million for intelligence gathering, assembling over 40 support staff, including doctors, psychologists, nutritionists, trainers, and protectors.
The intelligence team began operations in August 2023, gathering information on domestic and international players. The administration has also provided full insurance coverage for the athletes, including travel, accident, and disability insurance, to ensure optimal competitive conditions and strive for Taiwan's glory.
The Chinese Taipei team achieved its best result in the tournament by advancing to the top four and securing a spot in the semifinals in Tokyo, Japan. The team, composed of many young and first-time international players, has invigorated national confidence with its high spirits.
The team will practice all day on Nov. 20 and face Venezuela, the U.S., and Japan starting Nov. 21. Depending on their performance, they will compete in either the championship or third-place match on Nov. 24.
