The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has awarded the hosting rights of the inaugural WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup to the vibrant city of Ankara, Turkey. This landmark event will mark the country's first international baseball/softball event. Ankara will host the tournament from 10 to 15 October at the Sports Complex in the Yenimahalle metropolitan district (Yenimahalle Spor Kompleksi). "We are excited to organise a WBSC World Cup for the first time in your country," wrote WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari to the Turkish Baseball Softball Federation. "We are grateful for your commitment to promoting youth sports and delighted to partner up to launch the new urban discipline with the first edition of the WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup." The Youth Baseball5 World Cup marks yet another milestone on the incredible journey of the urban, dynamic, and fast-paced sport of Baseball5 after the first WBSC Baseball5 World Cup last year in Mexico. Having quickly gained popularity worldwide, Baseball5 is also set to make its Olympic debut at the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026. With a bronze-medal finish at the Youth Baseball5 World Cup African Qualifier, Zambia also made a big improvement in the ranking, moving from 28th to 17th. "Hosting this prestigious event in Ankara holds great significance for the Turkish Baseball and Softball Federation," added Sahin. "It serves as a testament to our unwavering dedication to embracing new forms of the game, nurturing grassroots participation, and cultivating a thriving ecosystem for baseball and softball enthusiasts across our nation. We firmly believe that Baseball5 has the potential to transcend cultural boundaries, fostering unity, teamwork, and healthy competition," Sahin said. President Sahin intends to further develop the five-on-five version of baseball/softball. "I would like to emphasize the immense importance of Baseball5, a thrilling and fast-paced version of the game that has been gaining tremendous popularity worldwide. This innovative format of baseball and softball has captured the hearts of athletes and fans alike, offering an inclusive and dynamic experience that breaks down barriers and welcomes individuals of all backgrounds to participate."