TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan clinched the WBSC Premier12 championship, prompting Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) to announce a celebratory luncheon for the athletes at the Executive Yuan (行政院) on Tuesday (Nov. 26). Cho emphasized that the event will match Olympic standards, honoring the team's remarkable achievement.
During an interview with Yahoo TV, Cho expressed his excitement while watching the tournament, revealing that President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) ordered F-16V jets to escort the athletes as a sign of great honor. Yahoo TV released parts of the interview on Monday, with the entire content set to air on Wednesday.
A hero parade will unfold Tuesday afternoon, with President Lai scheduled to meet the athletes. Cho reiterated the luncheon's Olympic-level standards. Addressing the debate over referring to the team as "Team Chinese Taipei" (中華隊) or "Team Taiwan" (台灣隊), Cho urged everyone to remain open-minded to ensure the athletes' peace of mind.
Cho highlighted that the "Ministry of Sports" (運動部) organizational charter had reached the Legislative Yuan (立法院), marking a significant societal consensus. He believes this feedback will catalyze improvement. He stressed that the development of the sports industry will involve athletes, coaches, and businesses, transforming it into an emerging sector.
The "Ministry of Sports" advisory committee has included athletes in planning, allowing them to offer insights and understand administrative operations. Cho indicated that the ministry will consider integrating active Taiwanese heroes.