The Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) hosted the 2024 WBSC Premier12 Indigenous Athletes Awards Banquet last night (February 27) at the Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel. Minister Ljaucu·Zingrur personally presented trophies and cash awards to recognize and commend the indigenous athletes who competed in both the 2024 WBSC Premier12 and the 2024 U-12 Asian Baseball Championship. The event celebrated their achievements, expressed appreciation for their efforts, and encouraged them to continue striving to reach new heights in their athletic careers.

The banquet brought together eight outstanding indigenous athletes from the 2024 WBSC Premier12 championship-winning team: Wu Chun-wei, Huang En-Sih, Lin Kai-Wei, Yueh Tung-Hua, Chang Cheng-Yu, Pan Chieh-Kai, Chen Chen-Wei, and Tseng Song-En, and coach Kao Kuo-Hui. Nine young indigenous baseball stars from the 2024 U-12 Asian Baseball Championship were also honored: Yang Po-Hsun, Sung I-Le, Huang Chieh-En, Su Yu-Hsiang, Liou Yen-Hsu, Tien Yun-Chi, Yang Nien-Hsien, Huang Li-Yuan, and Tu Kai-En. To further support grassroots baseball development, the Taiwan Indigenous Baseball Development Association, which has long been dedicated to developing indigenous baseball talent, was invited to the event. Also present were the championship-winning teams from the 31st Taiwan Indigenous Baseball Development Association Care Cup, including the Senior League Baseball Champion, Chih Hsien Junior High School, and Little League Baseball Champion, Red Leaf Elementary School. The CIP hopes this banquet can serve as a platform for intergenerational exchange, where indigenous baseball players of all ages can inspire and learn from one another.

In 2024, indigenous athletes delivered outstanding performances on the international baseball stage, exceeding in global competitions. Indigenous sports professionals across various disciplines continue to demonstrate relentless dedication, serving as pillars of Taiwan's sports community.

Minister Ljaucu·Zingrur emphasized that in line with the government's policy of actively nurturing indigenous athletic talent, Premier Cho Jung-Tai has allocated an additional NT$2 billion to the CIP's budget for 2025. This funding will be directed to developing indigenous sports talent from young ages and providing continuous support for elite indigenous athletes. The CIP hopes that these athletes can carry forward the legacy of excellence and continue to shine on the international sports stage.