Softball Returns to the 2029 University Games in North Carolina

The sport of softball has been officially added to the 2029 International University Games program, a major event that follows only the Summer Olympics in size. The decision was announced after a meeting between leaders of the World Baseball Softball Confederation and the International University Sports Federation, where both sides pledged to broaden chances for student athletes worldwide. With baseball also included, the Games will give college players a chance to showcase their skills on an international stage and represent both their schools and countries. The event is expected to attract thousands of competitors from around the globe. The Confederation welcomed the inclusion, noting that university competitions are a key step toward professional and international careers in baseball and softball. They also see the Games as a way to boost youth interest in the sports.Softball had previously appeared at the University Games in 2007 and 2017, and separate world championships were held in 2004 and 2006. The 2029 Games will run for about two weeks in July, using more than forty venues across several North Carolina cities. Local stadiums such as Anderson Softball Field and Duke’s Smith Family Stadium may host matches, highlighting the state’s strong university sports scene. Past editions of the Games have had a positive impact on host cities, drawing over ten thousand participants from more than one hundred and fifty countries and providing extensive television coverage. Adding softball to the schedule promises even greater exposure for the sport. Both organizations have committed to ongoing communication, aiming to strengthen global collegiate sports development.