Queensland announced as 2027 Women's Softball World Cup host in first Australian event since 1965
It will be the first time Australia has hosted the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WSBC) tournament since the inaugural event in 1965 in Melbourne, where the national women's team won gold.
The top eight women's teams in the world will battle for the title of World Champions at Talobilla Park in Redcliffe, north of Brisbane, from April 5 to 11, 2027.
The tournament will be a qualifying event for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, held a year ahead of the games and with five years until the Brisbane 2032 Games.
"This tournament will highlight Australia's strong passion for softball and the deep roots the sport has in the country's sporting community," WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari said.
Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh said it was an important step in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"The return of the WSBC Women's Softball World Cup to Australian soil is a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation with Olympic dreams, boost grassroots participation and deliver lasting benefits to local communities," Ms Loh said.
The first Women's Softball World Cup was played at Melbourne's Albert Park in February 1965, with five participating teams: Australia, Japan, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and USA.
The Australians emerged with a 1-0 triumph over USA to claim the inaugural world title.
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