Japan's women's softball team started their Tokyo Olympics campaign on a high note, delivering a crushing 8-1 defeat to Australia. The game, the very first event of the 2020 Summer Games, was played on Wednesday in the Fukushima region. Due to health protocols, no fans were allowed in the stands, and the match ended prematurely after five innings via the mercy rule. Despite the lack of a crowd, the energy was kept high by the cheers and applause of the team staff and athletes. The rest of the tournament is set to take place in Yokohama.
The official start of the Olympics is set for Friday with a grand ceremony at the National Stadium. In the wake of the pandemic delays, the World Health Organization has described the event as a 'celebration of hope.' Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the WHO, noted while holding the Olympic torch that the games are a vital testament to what humanity can achieve when the right precautions and strategies are in place, stressing that the Tokyo Games simply must be a success.
Japanese officials and Olympic organizers pushed forward with the event regardless of domestic opposition. The challenge was significant, as they had to accommodate more than 11,000 people, including media and athletes, some of whom have already tested positive for COVID-19. To keep both residents and visitors safe, spectators were completely banned from the venues, and strict health restrictions were implemented.
Starting pitcher Yukiko Ueno had a bit of a rocky beginning, giving up two hits over 4-1/3 innings, but she managed to find her rhythm quickly. The 2008 gold medalist finished strong, recording seven strikeouts with 85 pitches. Japan's offense was powered by three impressive two-run home runs that sailed easily over the fence. In the absence of a crowd, the only sound following these big hits was the polite clapping of teammates from the dugout.
Reflecting on the game, Yukiko Ueno mentioned feeling a sense of relief and relaxation now that her team has secured such a strong start. It was evident that the athletes were on edge, having waited so long for the event to finally happen. Tarni Stepto of the Australian team admitted that they struggled to bring enough physical intensity to the game, noting that the team was overwhelmed by nerves, which ultimately cost them the match.
As the defending champions—given that softball was absent from the 2012 and 2016 Games—Japan remains the team to beat. In other Wednesday action, the United States shut out Italy with a 2-0 win, and the day concluded with Canada defeating Mexico 4-0.