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The fifth Cross-Strait Student Baseball League opens at the Shaoxing Baseball and Softball Sports Centre on July 9. [Photo/Taiwan affairs office of Shaoxing]

The fifth Cross-Strait Student Baseball League commenced at the Shaoxing Baseball and Softball Sports Centre in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, on July 9.

The event features 18 teams and over 400 participants. Nine teams are from the Chinese mainland and nine from Taiwan. The teams are divided into three groups, competing in a round-robin format with a total of 27 games.

"I'm absolutely taken by Shaoxing. The natural beauty and the top-notch facilities here are impressive," said Ma Chengming, coach of a middle school team from Taiwan. "The facilities here surpass those in Taiwan, and our students will undoubtedly elevate their game."

Having successfully hosted the baseball and softball events for the Hangzhou Asian Games, Shaoxing is set to welcome the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup this September. Known as the "City of Baseball and Softball," Shaoxing aims to become a hub for the sport in China.

"Baseball is all about passion and learning from each other," said Lu Weihong, a player from Shih Chien University, after a gripping first day of play. "Being invited to compete in Zhejiang is a huge honor. I hope more friends from Taiwan can experience this."

Since 2017, this league has been a platform for cross-Strait youth sports exchange. With over 200 teams and 5,000 athletes participating, it continues to be a dynamic venue for competition and cultural exchange. The fifth edition aims to strengthen these bonds, giving young athletes unique opportunities for growth and connection.