Uganda relishes return of softball, baseball to Olympics

PIC: Tony Opio misses a ball in an exhibition game at the launch of the Uganda-Japan National Baseball Frienddhip Stadium at Gayaza on January, 25 2014. (Credit: Silvano Kibuuka)

KAMPALA - Uganda's baseball and softball fraternity is on cloud nine following the news that the two sports have been reconsidered back on the Olympic program.

The two disciplines will now feature at the 2020 summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan after last appearing in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Efforts from the World Baseball and Softball Confederation to have them back have paid off as the International Olympic Committee announced their re-in station earlier last week.

"This really means a lot to the baseball and softball fraternity in Uganda. We have always prayed for this and finally we have been answered," said Denis Kasozi , the chairman Uganda Baseball and Softball Association (UBSA).

"We have been working without a clear vision, but with the sport back at the Olympics we can only work harder."

The development comes at the time when Uganda is ranked 24th in the world softball rankings and certainly things can only get better.

"We are overwhelmed. We can now only think of preparing for 2020 as we wait to make history," said George Mukhobe, UBSA's publicity secretary.

 The development in the furtherance would mean more competitions - qualifiers, regional tournaments, and clinics - in preparation for the big stage.

Meanwhile, four other sports — karate, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing — will also be a part of the program in Tokyo.