Feature: "Grandpa coaches" drive Shaanxi's softball dream

XI'AN, China, July 19 (Xinhua) -- In the blistering summer heat of Xi'an, where temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius, three elderly men sit quietly in the stands of the Women's Softball Asia Cup.

Averaging 69 years old, they are Peng Xiaolin, Cao Xiaoli and Guo Kongqiang - a trio affectionately known as the "Grandpa Coaches" of Shaanxi women's softball team.

On Thursday, their pride was evident when Li Xintian, a 20-year-old they had discovered and nurtured, cracked China's first hit in the bottom of the seventh inning against the Philippines. That hit ignited a rally that ended with a 2-1 comeback victory.

As Li crossed home plate, she pointed toward the stands, her eyes searching for the familiar faces of her mentors. After the game, she climbed into the stands to hug them. "They've taught me everything: not just about softball, but about persistence and respect," Li said. "Every time I play, I want to make them proud."

FROM BASEBALL GLORY TO SOFTBALL REBIRTH

Peng, Cao and Guo were once baseball pioneers in Shaanxi. In the 1970s, the three played side by side for the provincial men's team, finishing sixth at the National Games. But the team disbanded in the 1990s, a casualty of financial cuts and dwindling public interest.

"After that, we all went our own way," Peng, now 68, recalled.

The revival of the sport came with the momentum of the 14th National Games, held in Shaanxi in 2021. Peng began preparing a city-level softball team in 2019. He invited his old teammates Cao and Guo, both retired, to join the project.

"I was away from baseball/softball for nearly 30 years, but the love for the sport never left me," Cao said.

A TEAM THAT FEELS LIKE FAMILY

The early days were difficult. Most of the players had never touched a bat or glove. Some were recruited from athletics, like Li Xintian, and some from canoeing, like left fielder Li Yiying.

The coaches pushed the players hard, with rigorous winter training that tested their endurance. "I remember one session where I had to field 400 balls in all directions," Li Yiying recalled. "I cried while catching them, but Coach Guo just said, 'Keep going. You'll thank me later.' And now I do."

Despite the tough training, the coaches' warmth shines through. "Often, when we are already resting, Coach Cao puts on his reading glasses to tidy up our gloves. When someone has a birthday, we all share a birthday cake together. This team feels just like a family," said Gu Yi, a Jiangsu-born player.

CHASING A NATIONAL GAMES DREAM

Under the guidance of Peng, Cao and Guo, Shaanxi has emerged as one of the fastest-rising teams in Chinese softball. In 2023, they finished sixth at the national championships. Earlier this year, they secured seventh place in a national tournament that featured the youth national team. Five players have since earned selections to national youth or senior squads, and the team has qualified for China's 15th National Games.

To prepare, the coaches have instructed players to keep "Asia Cup game diaries," encouraging them to study stronger teams and identify their own weaknesses while watching the matches.

"The pitchers from Japan and Chinese Taipei can often throw pitches at speeds of up to 110 kilometers per hour. I hope to eat more, build strength, and deliver better performances on the field," said 20-year-old pitcher Dong Xinyue.

For most players, the upcoming National Games in Guangdong will mark their debut. For the Grandpa Coaches, it may be the final chapter of their careers.

"We've watched them grow up, and they've watched us grow old. These kids are simple, pure, and hardworking. We hope they can fulfil the dream we once had," said Guo Kongqiang. Enditem