Sports Hero

Page 6

Gateball

Originated in Japan, gateball was introduced to Hong Kong in 1986. Although gateball remains a niche sport, the dedicated efforts of enthusiasts have enabled it to take root among people of different age groups, from the elderly and middle-aged to the young. In gist, gateball is played between two teams, with players taking turns striking numbered balls that match the numbers on their jerseys. Points are scored as the balls sequentially pass through the first gate, second and third gate before finally striking the goal pole. The team achieving the highest scores at the end of 30 minutes wins.

Hong Kong, China Gateball Athletes

From the Young to the Old, Gateball Mind Knows No Age

Chan Chun-ming, known as Chun-jai, is a member of the Hong Kong, China Gateball Team for the 15th National Games (NG) and a veteran of 23 years in the sport. He first encountered gateball at the age of 12 during a summer programme and has been playing ever since. For Tsang Wai-hung Danny, gateball entered his life through his daughter. A gateball player herself, his daughter found the sport was particularly suitable for retirees and encouraged him to join a training course organised by the LCSD over a decade ago. Danny was immediately captivated. Representing the younger generation, Tsui Chun-sum came across gateball two years ago through LCSD promotional activities. What he finds most appealing is that the sport places equal emphasis on technical skills and flexible tactical thinking.

According to both Chun-jai and Danny, the essence of gateball lies in strategy and teamwork. Victory depends not only on planning each shot in advance, but also on the constant adjustment of tactics throughout a match. Gateball is thus a thinker’s game, where mental agility and team collaboration are paramount.

Shared Enjoyment Across Ages: Hong Kong Players Compete at the 15th NG

Although gateball is generally played on grass pitches, indoor courts are also available in Hong Kong, making the sport accessible to the elderly and people with chronic illnesses. Today, around 50 seven-player teams compete regularly in local gateball leagues. Including other recreational players, the gateball community has grown to over 1,000 people. Danny believes that gateball is ideal for retirees, as it allows players to stretch their bodies and enjoy time outdoors while requiring only a moderate level of physical exertion. He still feels energised even after playing for three to four hours every morning.

Yet, gateball is by no means exclusive to seniors. In fact, children as young as eight can begin learning the sport, and there is no upper age limit for competition. Both Chun-jai and Chun-sum were introduced to gateball during their primary school years, and they continue to attend weekly trainings, and actively participate in competitions.

At the recently concluded 15th NG, gateball made its debut as a mass participation sport. Chun-jai distinguished himself in the April 2025 athlete selection, earning a place as Hong Kong’s representative in the Men’s Doubles. He went on to compete in Shenzhen and finished in 11th place.

Different Generations of Players, Different Moments to Remember

Danny is passionate about competitions and has travelled with his club to compete in Thailand on multiple occasions, even winning championships. His fondest memory, however, is the first-ever “mixed-age tournament” held in Hong Kong. For the first time, elderly, middle-aged, and young players were brought together in the same team. While juggling work and studies left the team little time to train together, its cross-generational composition offered a rare opportunity for exchange and proved a refreshing experience. Building cohesion in such a short time was no easy task, but Danny’s team eventually won, making the journey and its challenges all the more memorable.

For Chun-jai, this year is especially meaningful, as it marks his 20th year competing in Division One. He hopes to continue striving for success with his club and writing new chapters in his gateball journey. Meanwhile, Chun-sum’s most unforgettable experience comes from a recent school team competition in Taiwan. Clear skies the day before turned into torrential rain on the competition day, leaving the field conditions so poor that even basic shots were made difficult. The team persevered through the advesity and claimed the championship, making the victory extra precious.

Promoting Gateball and Injecting Youthful Energy

Looking ahead, Chun-jai hopes that gateball’s inclusion in the National Games will bring the sport greater visibility. He believes wider recognition could lead to more major competitions, and perhaps even open the door to the Olympics. Danny and his fellow club members will soon represent Hong Kong in an international tournament in Macao, and he is training diligently with the hope of bringing honour home. As the youngest of the three, Chun-sum aims to continue balancing gateball training with his studies as he enters secondary school. With the goal of “pushing the limits”, he is determined to keep improving.

All three share the hope that gateball will become more popular, attracting more young players and uncovering new talent. They also envision more gateball facilities in Hong Kong, such as artificial turf courts, to support the sport’s development and raise the overall standard of play locally.