The Fiji National Youth Baseball5 Team has returned from Hong Kong with a historic achievement after making its international debut at the 2nd Hong Kong High Five Baseball5 Seniors Championship from September 11 to 13. The tournament marked Fiji’s first appearance on the global Baseball5 stage and saw the young side finish fourth overall against some of Asia’s top teams.

Competing against experienced opposition, the Fijians showcased their athleticism, speed and determination throughout the three-day tournament. The team recorded two impressive victories over Hong Kong Brisk and Guangxi University of Foreign Languages (GUFL), while also testing themselves against powerhouse sides including Team Hong Kong, China and eventual champions Asian Stars.

Coach Inoke Niubalavu described the campaign as a milestone moment for the sport in Fiji, highlighting the valuable experience gained by the players in their first international competition. He said the tournament provided an important opportunity for the athletes to compete under pressure and measure themselves against some of the region’s best teams.

Adding to Fiji’s success, Inoke Niubalavu was named Best Coach of the Tournament after guiding the team to a fourth-place finish in its international debut. The competition also delivered a significant boost to Fiji’s standing in the sport, with the nation earning its first-ever world ranking and moving to 51st out of 78 countries competing internationally in Baseball5.

The Fiji Islands Baseball and Softball Association (FIBSA) says the Hong Kong campaign is only the beginning, with plans already underway to pursue qualification for the 2027 Youth Baseball5 World Cup in Rome, Italy. The association is also looking to expand grassroots and school-based programs while expressing interest in hosting future Oceania qualification events.

FIBSA thanked supporters in Fiji and abroad for backing the team and believes the performance in Hong Kong has laid the foundation for a bright future as Fiji continues its rise in international Baseball5.