President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) arranged a grand welcome for Taiwan's victorious national baseball team during their return flight Monday evening.
Marking a historic win, Taiwan’s team defeated defending champion Japan in the 2024 World Baseball Softball Confederation’s (WBSC) Premier12. The win clinches Taiwan’s first-ever world championship title at a premier international baseball tournament.
The president instructed four F-16V fighter jets from the Air Force to escort the team’s returning flight, releasing flares as they flew alongside. A video message from the president was also played for the team as they flew home. Aside from congratulating the team, the president thanked everyone, including the coaching staff and support teams for their dedication and hard work. Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) met the arriving team at the Taoyuan International Airport.
As part of the celebrations, a parade will take place on Tuesday afternoon, starting from Ketagalan Boulevard. The procession will culminate at the Presidential Office, where President Lai and Vice President Hsiao will welcome the team on behalf of the nation, celebrating their success in representing Taiwan on the global stage.