Baseball player Liu Chi-hung faces tough choice over Asian Games selection

Liu Chi-hung, a prominent player for the Wei Chuan Dragons, has received a call-up to the national team for the upcoming 2026 Nagoya Asian Games baseball tournament. This selection places the infielder in a difficult position, balancing his commitment to his professional club with his desire to represent Taiwan on the international stage.

"I received the notification a few days ago and filled out some information," Liu stated. "Because it's in the middle of the season, I feel a bit conflicted... I want to help the team, but I also want to represent Taiwan."

Wei Chuan Dragons, having secured the first-half championship and a playoff spot, rely on Liu's contributions throughout the season. While Liu acknowledges the importance of the team's overall performance, he recognizes that national team duty takes precedence. The Asian Games are scheduled to begin in late September, with Chinese Taipei aiming to contend for the gold medal against strong rivals like Japan and South Korea.

Liu expressed anticipation for facing South Korea, noting their strong roster. He specifically mentioned encountering South Korean player Kim Do-young during a previous 12U exhibition game, where Kim hit a home run. Liu anticipates a challenging and exciting matchup against the South Korean team in Nagoya. This season, Liu has played in 59 games, hitting five home runs and driving in 25 runs, with a batting average of .241 and a fielding percentage of .964 at third base.