BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) — Returning from the Women’s Softball Asia Cup with a silver medal in April, China’s girls’s softball crew re-assembled after a one-week break and is now busy making ready for his or her subsequent objective – a ticket to the 2024 World Cup Finals and a gold on the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games on residence soil.
China crushed world No. 3 Chinese Taipei 11-1 to make the Asia Cup closing in Incheon, South Korea earlier than shedding 6-0 to Olympic champion Japan. China head coach Tang Changdong stated this precious expertise boosted the arrogance and morale of the crew.
“Returning to international competitions after a long hiatus, we now have a clear understanding of our position – we are a powerhouse in Asia,” Tang advised Xinhua. “We have developed our own style of play and made breakthroughs in offense.”
The 55-year-old additionally identified issues to work on in present and future coaching camps after taking up prime groups in Asia.
“Firstly, we need to improve our batting under pressure. Secondly, we did not make wise choices in complicated situations in some matches, and I could see my players were hesitating. Thirdly, our pitchers need to increase their pitching velocity, and finally, we must improve our understanding of games,” stated Tang, who underlined the final level.
“Softball does require physical qualities and skills, but it’s more about a mind game,” he defined. “That’s why I hope the players not only work hard physically, but train and play with their heart and brain, so that they could gain deeper understanding about softball games along the process.”
The journey to Incheon additionally secured China’s berth within the World Cup group stage the place they are going to face Spain, Cuba, the Netherlands, Puerto Rico and South Africa in Group B in July. The prime two groups from every group, plus two wildcards, will advance to the eight-team 2024 World Cup Finals in Italy.
Tang stated that China is decided to be one in all them. “Our target is to finish as top two and secure a ticket to the World Cup Finals next year,” he stated, including that he anticipated powerful matches towards the Netherlands and Puerto Rico.
Higher on the agenda for the crew is the Hangzhou Asian Games to be held later this 12 months. Tang, who was a coach of the silver medal-winning crew on the Guangzhou Asian Games in 2010, eyed at least that.
“I hope through the Asian Games we can firmly establish ourselves as a powerhouse in Asia. Japan is the Olympic champion, but we are capable of challenging them, and we will give our all for that,” he vowed.
China received three consecutive golds on the Asiad from 1990 to 1998, and Tang voiced his hope to revive the crew’s glory.
“We hope to win the gold medal, there’s no way back,” he stated.