The first event of the 2020 Summer Olympics saw the Japanese women's softball team start their journey on a high note. In a match held on Wednesday near Fukushima, the home team comfortably beat Australia 8-1. Although the stands were empty of spectators, the energy from the players and coaching staff kept the atmosphere lively. The game ended early in the fifth inning via the mercy rule, and the team will now head to Yokohama for the rest of the tournament.
The official start of the Games is this Friday, featuring an opening ceremony at the National Stadium. The World Health Organization has described these Games, which were delayed by the pandemic, as a 'celebration of hope.' Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the WHO, noted while holding the torch that proceeding with the Tokyo Games demonstrates that careful planning and strict measures can make the impossible possible, stressing that the event's success is vital.
Despite local opposition and the challenge of accommodating more than 11,000 athletes, staff, and journalists, Japanese authorities and Olympic organizers pressed ahead. With some individuals already testing positive for COVID-19, strict health protocols have been implemented, including a total ban on spectators to protect both the visitors and the local population.
Japan's starting pitcher, Yukiko Ueno, had a somewhat rocky beginning, giving up two hits during her 4-1/3 innings, but she managed to regain her form quickly. The 2008 gold medalist finished strong, recording seven strikeouts over 85 pitches. Japan's victory was fueled by three powerful two-run home runs that sailed easily over the wall, met only by the polite clapping of teammates on the benches.
Following the match, Yukiko Ueno expressed a sense of relief and relaxation, noting how helpful it was for the team to start the tournament so strongly. It was clear that the long wait to compete had left the players feeling anxious. This sentiment was echoed by Australia's Tarni Stepto, who admitted that her team struggled to find their physical rhythm and were too overwhelmed by nerves to compete effectively.
Japan enters the competition as the defending gold medalists, as softball was absent from the 2012 and 2016 Olympic programs. In other Wednesday action, the United States shut out Italy with a 2-0 win, and Canada closed out the day with a 4-0 victory over Mexico.