Press release

The Ambassador of Japan hosted reception in honor of Pakistan National Baseball Team visiting Taiwan

PRESS RELEASE N0: JPNEMPAK 15-29

Islamabad: 8th September 2015

The Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Inomata, hosted a reception in Lahore on Tuesday 8th September 2015 in honor of Pakistan’s National Baseball Team to see them off to take part in Asian Baseball Championship as the West Asian Champion which is being held in Taiwan from 16th September to 20th September 2015.
The reception was attended by the Provincial Ministers, office-bearers of Pakistan Baseball Federation, players of Pakistan’s National Baseball Team, Sports authorities, sports journalists, Businessmen and distinguished personalities from civil society.
In his welcome speech, Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata appreciated the role of Pakistan Baseball Federation for promoting this sport in Pakistan despite the fact that baseball is not a popular sport in Pakistan as compared to cricket and hockey. He commended the Pakistan national baseball team for securing 24th ranking in the IBAF World Baseball Ranking through their dedication and hard work.
Ambassador Inomata warmly welcomed Mr. Toma Irokawa, Japanese coach of Pakistan’s national baseball team, for coming all the way from Japan to train the Pakistani players. He hoped that Mr. Irokawa’s professional competence will help Pakistan baseball team to further improve their techniques and skills.
Ambassador Inomata said that since the successful bid to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe disclosed “Sport for Tomorrow”, Programme to make international contribution through sports. He added that through “Sports for Tomorrow, Programme, Japan aims to be involved in the promotion of sport and the Olympic and Paralympic movement, including assistance to developing countries, training future sport leaders at the new international sport academics; and further protect and promote the values of sport by extending anti-doping initiatives globally.
Ambassador also thanked All Pakistan Business Forum for their generous contribution of one hundred thousand rupees to the Pakistan Baseball Federation.