![Japan downs USA by 3-1 in softball final thus obtains the gold for this event. After the victory celebration ceremony, players of both team make a '2016' pattern with the balls, wishing this event, which is planned to miss the 2012 London Games, will make its return in 2016 Olympics. [Xinhua]](http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20080822/001372acd0b50a1866fa0e.jpg "Japan downs USA by 3-1 in softball final thus obtains the gold for this event. After the victory celebration ceremony, players of both team make a '2016' pattern with the balls, wishing this event, which is planned to miss the 2012 London Games, will make its return in 2016 Olympics. [Xinhua]") |
| Japan downs USA by 3-1 in softball final thus obtains the gold for this event. After the victory celebration ceremony, players of both team make a "2016" pattern with the balls, wishing this event, which is planned to miss the 2012 London Games, will make its return in 2016 Olympics. [Xinhua] |
Calling for return
Japan's head coach Haruka Saito said her side's victory had two meanings.
"It is probably our last Olympic Games. Hopefully our victory tonight could help with retrieval of the sport. It is a big motivation for us and much meaningful than the game itself. We will promote it all over the world, every corner of the world."
Outfielder Ayumi Karino also believed their teams' performance could help with the softball's return.
"It will have a big influence, allowing children's dreams to come true. It will have a huge effect on the Back Softball campaign to bring it to the Olympic Games."