Softball players exhibit skills and determination in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, on May 7. [Photo provided by Chinese Softball Association]

The 2024 National Women's Softball Championship commenced in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, on May 7.

The championship features nearly 300 athletes from 11 teams representing Beijing, Liaoning, Shanghai, Zhejiang, and more, marking a record-breaking turnout in the event's recent history. The tournament spans nine days with 60 matches, culminating in the crowning of the champion on May 15.

On the opening day, Jiangsu triumphed over Chongqing and Zhejiang with scores of 10-0 and 7-0, respectively, securing two consecutive wins. Beijing won against Shaanxi 10-3 and Guangdong narrowly clinched victory with a 3-2 score against Henan.

All 60 matches of the 2024 National Women's Softball Championship are open to the public free of charge and are livestreamed online.

Gathering the nation's top softball athletes, the championship stands as one of the highest-level events in domestic softball. It marks the first time the event has been hosted in Shaoxing, with the Zhejiang provincial women's softball team making their debut in the competition.

Zhao Tengfei, director of the Shaoxing sports bureau, said that Shaoxing aims to accelerate the construction of "China's Baseball and Softball City" around the goals of promoting grassroot sports, hosting renowned sporting events, and developing the sports industry.