← Back to Categories AI News

sports

200 articles

Kong Nien-en's walk-off hit secures win for Fubon Guardians; 'Speedy' Wang Sheng-wei scores winning run

In a Chinese Professional Baseball game, the Fubon Guardians defeated the Wei Chuan Dragons 4-3 with Kong Nien-en's walk-off hit in the bottom of the 9th inning, ending their recent two-game losing streak. Wang Sheng-wei, running as a pinch-runner, scored the winning run. Kong Nien-en was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the game.

Kong Nien-en's walk-off hit secures win for Fubon Guardians; 'Speedy' Wang Sheng-wei scores winning run

In a Chinese Professional Baseball game, the Fubon Guardians defeated the Wei Chuan Dragons 4-3 with Kong Nien-en's walk-off hit in the bottom of the 9th inning, ending their recent two-game losing streak. Wang Sheng-wei, running as a pinch-runner, scored the winning run. Kong Nien-en was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the game.

Voting Begins for 2026 KONAMI eBaseball(TM) MLB All-Star Game

MLB Japan opened voting for the 2026 KONAMI eBaseball MLB All-Star Game on July 14 in Philadelphia. With KONAMI as sponsor, Japanese voting returns after 8 years via the official website and a mobile game.

Source: prtimes.jp

Yomiuri Giants Manager Shinnosuke Abe Resigns Amid Domestic Violence Allegations; Experts Call for Reflection on Sports Violence

Yomiuri Giants manager Shinnosuke Abe has resigned after being arrested for alleged domestic violence against his eldest daughter. The incident, which began with the daughter consulting ChatGPT and contacting child welfare services, has shocked the Japanese baseball community and sparked a broader debate on the culture of violence in sports.

World Air Race Champion Yoshihide Muroya to Lead 'Sky Sports Class' for Elementary Students in Fukushima on June 7

On June 7, 2026, the 'Sky Sports Class' will be held at Fukushima Sky Park, hosted by Fukushima Prefecture. World Air Race champion Yoshihide Muroya will serve as an instructor for 100 elementary students, leading hands-on programs including aircraft building, VR experiences, and aircraft tug-of-war. Now in its 11th year, the event aims to foster challenge and growth in the next generation, featuring a special air show by Muroya.

Source: prtimes.jp

Panasonic Impulse to Host First American Football Game at Panasonic Stadium Suita

On June 13, 2026, the Panasonic Impulse will hold their first American football game at Panasonic Stadium Suita. The team, part of the X League Premier, will face the SEKISUI Challengers to celebrate the stadium's 10th anniversary. The event, dubbed 'Panasonic Multi-Sports Day,' will feature interactive sessions with celebrities like Hiroshi Tamura and athletes from Osaka Bluteon, aiming to promote sports and enhance team value.

Source: prtimes.jp

[Tour Report] All 3 Players Qualifying for Overseas Majors Used TRUE TEMPER Shafts

True Temper shafts dominated recent domestic and international golf tours in late May 2026. All three players who qualified for The Open Championship at the JGTO Mizuno Open used True Temper shafts. The brand also secured victories on the US Men's Tour and the Japan Women's Senior Open, maintaining its status as the top choice for professional golfers.

Source: prtimes.jp

Japan Winter League 2026 (JWL2026) Player Recruitment Announcement

Japan League Co., Ltd. has begun recruiting players for the Japan Winter League 2026, held in Okinawa starting November 2026. Aspiring pros from around the world will gather for a month of games to improve skills and showcase talent. Early bird deadline is August 31.

Source: prtimes.jp

JTRF Scholarship Program for Young Japanese Tennis Talent Opens Applications for Second Cohort; New 'Mid-term Program' Established for Consistent Support

The Japan Private Trust Foundation has launched applications for the second cohort of its 'JTRF' short-term study abroad program, starting May 29, 2026. The program supports junior players aiming for the global stage through training at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain. Additionally, a new 'Mid-term Program' has been introduced, offering selected participants a 10-week stay and 3 million yen in support, creating a continuous development pipeline.

Source: prtimes.jp

108th National High School Baseball Championship: All Regional Tournament Games to be Streamed Live for Free on 'Virtual High School Baseball' via Sports Navi!

The Asahi Shimbun, Asahi Broadcasting Television, and LY Corporation will stream all regional tournament games of the 108th National High School Baseball Championship for free on 'Virtual High School Baseball' within the Sports Navi platform, starting June 13, 2026. In addition to over 3,000 regional games, the national tournament and women's high school baseball games will also be streamed, featuring enhanced real-time data and follow features.

Source: prtimes.jp

108th National High School Baseball Championship: All Regional Tournament Games to be Streamed Live for Free on 'Virtual High School Baseball' via Sports Navi!

The Asahi Shimbun, Asahi Broadcasting Television, and LY Corporation announced that all regional games of the 108th National High School Baseball Championship, starting June 13, 2026, will be streamed for free on 'Virtual High School Baseball' within the 'Sports Navi' platform. The coverage includes over 3,000 regional games, the national tournament in August, and the national women's high school baseball tournament, featuring enhanced digital features like real-time at-bat data and follow notifications.

Source: prtimes.jp

[Rakuten Eagles] Rakuten Monkeys' official cheerleaders, 'Rakuten Girls', to appear at the 'Rakuten Super Night' at Tokyo Dome on Monday, June 22!

The Rakuten Monkeys' cheerleading squad, 'Rakuten Girls', will visit Japan for the 'Rakuten Super Night' at Tokyo Dome on June 22, featuring a ceremonial pitch and special performances. This event is part of the 'Yanmaga Cup' collaboration with Kodansha's 'Weekly Young Magazine'. Additionally, soprano singer Yui Takahashi will perform the national anthem, and the 2026 third uniform will be distributed to the first 30,000 attendees.

Source: prtimes.jp

Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka: Fukuoka, a City Where the Future of Basketball Grows — Sponsorship Agreement for FIBA U18 International Tournament

Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka has become the tournament sponsor for the "FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 East Asia Qualifiers" to be held in Fukuoka in June 2026. This marks the first time a B.LEAGUE club has sponsored an EABA-hosted tournament. The event serves as a crucial qualifier for the U18 Asia Cup and U19 World Cup, with club player Jack Shiratani expected to participate. The club aims to support the development of Fukuoka's basketball culture and the next generation of talent.

Source: prtimes.jp

Yomiuri Giants Manager Abe Resigns Following Arrest Over Domestic Incident

Yomiuri Giants manager Shinnosuke Abe resigned on the 26th after being arrested for alleged assault on his 18-year-old daughter. Abe apologized at a press conference, and the team accepted his resignation. His daughter clarified through a lawyer that there was no physical violence like punching or kicking, and explained that police intervention occurred after she contacted child services based on ChatGPT's advice. Coach Hideki Hashigami will serve as acting manager.

[SCOPE] Multi-Sport Kids Camp 'SCOPE with Vissel Kobe' to be Held

SCO Group, Triathlon Japan, and Rakuten Vissel Kobe are collaborating to host a multi-sport event for elementary school students. The event features unique experiences like stadium bike rides and interviews with former professional athletes.

Source: prtimes.jp

J.League Signs Future Development Partnership Agreement

Mikasa, a ball manufacturer with over 100 years of history, has signed a 'Future Development Partnership' agreement with the J.League. For one year starting June 2026, the 'ALMUNDO FT550D-BLBS' will be used as the official match ball for J.League-organized youth tournaments, aiming to enhance training environments and develop Japanese soccer.

Source: prtimes.jp

Dodgers and Uniqlo Announce Initiatives to Contribute to the Los Angeles Community

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Uniqlo have announced new initiatives as part of their partnership to contribute to the Los Angeles community. These include an educational program for middle school students at the stadium, an international youth baseball program, and clothing donation activities in collaboration with local support organizations.

Source: prtimes.jp

Japan's First 'Amateur League' for Street Dance Launched! Japan Amateur Street Dance League Established to Oversee High School, University, and Adult National Championships. Lotte Becomes Title Sponsor for University Championships!

The Japan Amateur Street Dance League has been established to oversee national championships for high school, university, and adult categories, with Lotte as the title sponsor for the university championships.

Source: prtimes.jp

[Kagawa Five Arrows] Announcement of Contract Renewal for Associate Head Coach Koki Yabuuchi for the 2026-27 Season

The Kagawa Five Arrows have announced the contract renewal of Associate Head Coach Koki Yabuuchi for the 2026-27 season. Despite Yabuuchi's desire to train overseas, the club and the coach reached an agreement where he will remain as Associate Head Coach while undertaking a period of overseas study, with the condition that he brings his learnings back to the club. President Naoto Umeoka expressed high expectations for the team's further development under this new collaborative structure.

Source: prtimes.jp

[Yokohama Excellence] Announcement of Contract Renewals for Cheick Keita, Serignemourtalla Coulibaly, and Zack Ryo Moore for the 2026-27 Season

Yokohama Excellence has announced the contract renewals of Cheick Keita, Serignemourtalla Coulibaly, and Zack Ryo Moore for the 2026-27 season. Coulibaly and Moore have signed two-year deals. GM Tsuyoki Ishida expressed high expectations for their contributions to the team's goal of winning the inaugural B.LEAGUE ONE title.

Source: prtimes.jp

UNIVAS Launches Recruitment for the 6th Cohort of 'UNIVAS STUDENT LOUNGE (U.S.L.)' to Promote University Sports and Student Growth

The University Athletics Association (UNIVAS) has begun recruiting the 6th cohort for its student organization, 'UNIVAS STUDENT LOUNGE (U.S.L.).' The program aims to promote university sports and foster student development. Approximately 10 students from universities nationwide will be selected to engage in media coverage and social media outreach. Applications are open from May 27 to June 10.

Source: prtimes.jp

JPF Group's 3x3 Basketball Team 'esDGz OTAKI.EXE' Holds Kick-off Ceremony and Starts Season

The 3x3 basketball team 'esDGz OTAKI.EXE,' operated by JPFagri Co., Ltd. (a JPF Group company), held a kick-off ceremony in Otaki Town, Chiba, for the 2026 season. The team, which practices a 'dual-career' model involving agriculture, aims to revitalize the region through sports and played its first official match under the new structure on May 17.

Source: prtimes.jp

Liao Jin-ting Soars After Low Point, Wins Double Gold in Javelin and Shot Put at National Games for the Disabled

The 115th National Games for the Disabled concluded on the 26th. Former pole vault prospect Liao Jin-ting, who was confined to a wheelchair following a 2023 car accident, made a triumphant return to the track. He secured double gold in javelin and shot put, setting a new national record of 6.23 meters in the shot put, demonstrating incredible resilience.

The 9th Challenge Cup Kyoto Held

The '9th Challenge Cup Kyoto' took place on May 30-31, 2026, in Joyo City, Kyoto. Five new Japanese records were set in this para-powerlifting event, highlighting the growth of athletes aiming for the LA 2028 Paralympics.

Source: prtimes.jp

Esports Team 'REJECT' Signs Sponsorship Agreement with Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

Esports team 'REJECT' has signed a sponsorship agreement with Ajinomoto Co., Inc. The partnership aims to support players with nutrition and promote the importance of 'food' to the gaming community, contributing to the development of the esports scene and improving the environment for players.

Source: prtimes.jp

Japan Frescobol Association Announces New Student Club at Waseda University

The Japan Frescobol Association has announced the establishment of the 'Waseda Frescobol Club - Miyako no Seihoku,' the 6th official student group in Japan. Frescobol, a beach sport from Brazil known as the 'sport of consideration,' is gaining popularity among university students following regional activities in Tohoku.

Source: prtimes.jp

Watch the Action Up Close! 2026 Fuji Champion Race Series Round 3 to be Held on June 20th and 21st!

Fuji Speedway will host the 3rd round of the 2026 Fuji Champion Race Series on June 20-21. The event features 9 races, including the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia and the Toyota Gazoo Racing Yaris Cup. Tickets are 1,200 JPY for adults, with free admission for junior high students and below. All sessions will be streamed live on YouTube.

Source: prtimes.jp