Taiwan clinched the championship at the 2024 World Baseball Classic, and the national team delegation returned to Taiwan on the evening of the 25th. President Lai Ching-te specially arranged for 4 F-16V fighter jets to escort the team upon their arrival, releasing flare bombs as a salute. The flight landed at 8:47 pm at the Second Terminal of Taoyuan Airport, where Vice President Shiau Mei-chin personally greeted the players. The airport lobby was packed with a large number of media and fans, while Taoyuan International Airport Corporation prepared a water gate ceremony to welcome the returning heroes of Taiwan.
During the flight, the Taiwan team players were amazed to see the flare bombs released outside. Taiwan team captain Chen Chieh-hsien also gave a speech onboard, expressing gratitude to the fans and passengers for witnessing history and creating miracles together, stating, “From now on, the world will see Taiwan.”
When asked about the mysterious hand gesture he made after hitting a 3-run homer against Japan, Chen Chieh-hsien explained that the gesture symbolized Taiwan’s pride and that their team represents the country. He felt exhilarated hitting the home run and wanted to convey the message that “we are from Taiwan.”
With the incredible performance at the World Baseball Classic, the CPBL prepared 500 limited-edition Team Taiwan flags to distribute at the airport to welcome the heroes back. Many fans brought cheering props to Taoyuan International Airport, where the atmosphere was vibrant with the sounds of the supporting anthem “Taiwan Shang Yong.”
Furthermore, a grand parade titled “Baseball Heroes: Taiwan Shang Yong” is scheduled for tomorrow, the 26th. The Taiwan heroes will start from Ketagalan Boulevard Park intersection and march towards the Presidential Office, where President Lai and Vice President Shiau will welcome the delegation with pride and admiration.