Core Points - The 12th World Games will be held in Chengdu, China from August 7 to August 17, 2025, serving as a platform for non-Olympic sports to gain visibility and promote global sports culture [1][4][6] - The World Games, established in the 1970s, aim to provide a stage for lesser-known sports, complementing the Olympic Games [4][6][10] - The event will feature 21 competition items, primarily focusing on non-Olympic sports, including flag football, softball, and lacrosse, which are set to be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics [12][17][30] Comparison with Olympic Games - The World Games are held every four years, typically the year after the Summer Olympics, while the Olympics include both Summer and Winter Games [8] - The organizing bodies differ: the World Games are managed by the International World Games Association, whereas the Olympics are overseen by the International Olympic Committee [8] - The founding dates are distinct, with the first World Games occurring in 1981 and the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 [9] Event Characteristics - The World Games emphasize performance and celebration, allowing athletes to showcase their skills in a less competitive environment compared to the Olympics, which focus on the Olympic motto of "Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together" [10] - The Chengdu World Games will include various sports, such as martial arts and dragon boat racing, providing a platform for these sports to potentially enter the Olympic arena [30]

Group 1 - The 12th World Games will be held in Chengdu, featuring 34 major events, 60 sub-events, and 256 small events, showcasing a diverse range of competitions [1] - The World Games serve as a platform for non-Olympic sports, including traditional events like martial arts and dragon boat racing, as well as emerging sports such as parkour, frisbee, and drone racing [3] Group 2 - The Chinese sports delegation will participate in 12 major events for the first time, including soft hockey, cheerleading, frisbee, and motorboat racing [10] - The upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will also feature sports like climbing, squash, flag football, softball, and lacrosse, which will be highlighted in advance [16]

Group 1 - The national youth softball and baseball league finals, "Run, Youth," opened on August 3, 2025, in Ordos City [1] - The event features 67 youth teams from 15 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, along with 63 technical officials [3] - The finals will last until August 8, with 213 matches scheduled across two venues, showcasing the skills and teamwork of young athletes [7] Group 2 - The event aims to provide a growth platform for youth and promote the popularity of baseball and softball among young people in the country [7]

Group 1 - The article highlights the performance of the Shaanxi women's softball team, which is coached by a group of elderly coaches affectionately known as the "softball grandpas" [2][4] - The team recently achieved a significant victory against the Philippines, with player Li Xintian scoring the first hit and leading the team to a 2-1 comeback win [1][4] - The coaching team, consisting of Peng Xiaolin, Cao Xiaoli, and Guo Kongqiang, has a combined age of nearly 210 years and has a rich history in the sport, having previously played for the Shaanxi men's baseball team [2][4] Group 2 - The Shaanxi women's softball team was re-established in 2019, with the coaches returning to the sport after a long hiatus, driven by their passion for softball [4][5] - The team has seen success in national competitions, including a second-place finish in the U15 category at the National Youth Softball Championship in 2021 [4][5] - In 2022, the team transitioned to a "provincial team managed by the city" model, and later entered a "provincial team managed by the school" phase in collaboration with Xi'an Sports University [5][6] Group 3 - The coaching staff emphasizes high standards and rigorous training, with players undergoing intense practice sessions to improve their skills [6][7] - The team has shown significant improvement, achieving sixth place in the National Women's Softball Championship and seventh place in another national competition [6][7] - The upcoming 15th National Games will be a debut for most players, while it marks the final competitive event for the elderly coaches [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese women's softball team, led by pitcher Chai Yinan, achieved a decisive 10-0 victory against Malaysia in the Asian Cup, showcasing their strength and strategy in preparation for tougher opponents ahead [1][2]. Group 1: Performance Highlights - Chai Yinan struck out four batters in just two innings, demonstrating her dominance on the mound [1]. - The match ended early due to the "mercy rule," reflecting the team's overwhelming performance [1]. - Chai Yinan's strategic approach focuses on conserving energy for future matches against stronger teams [2]. Group 2: Player Background and Development - Chai Yinan, born in 2001, began her softball journey at a young age and has been part of the national team since she was 15 [5]. - She has undergone rigorous training to become a proficient pitcher, emphasizing the repetitive nature of her practice [2]. - The impact of a pitcher on the game's outcome can exceed 70%, highlighting the critical role Chai plays in her team's success [2]. Group 3: Team Dynamics and Aspirations - Chai Yinan feels supported by her teammates, who express confidence in her abilities, which boosts her performance [3]. - The Chinese softball association aims to qualify for the Olympics and has set a goal to reach the top four in the upcoming competitions [5][7]. - The team is determined to face Japan, the reigning Olympic champions, in the finals, showcasing their ambition and competitive spirit [5].