[World Gateball Championship JAPAN-NIIGATA 2014]
Introduction of the participating nations and regions 4

Sixteen teams driven by an urge to revenge the previous championship are participating! Japan

　Sixteen teams will be participating from Japan, which along with Brazil is the highest number for this championship.
　The participating teams have been selected based on their performance in the International Championships and the All Japan Gateball Championships in the past. Initially it was announced that seven team would be participating. However, since the overseas teams defaulted, teams were added on a very short notice. Eight team selected out of the best 8 from the All Japan Gateball Championships for the past 3 years and one team from Niigata Prefecture recommended by the Niigata city, which is hosting the championship, were added to make a total of sixteen participating teams. Many of the players are in their 20s - 30s.
　As for the performance of the Japan team, the team won back-to-back titles from the 1st Championship in 1986 to the 3rd Championship in 1989 (all these championships were held in Japan). After that the team won 4 titles back-to-back again from 1994, when the championship started being held once in 4 years. They won the 6th Championship (Kagoshima, Japan), 7th Championship (Hawaii), 8th Championship (Toyama, Japan) and 9th Championship (Jeju-do, Korea). Until now team Japan has won the championship 7 times out of 11. However, in the previous championship that was held in Shanghai, China exclusively won the first three places, and barely one team from Japan was able to make it into the best 8.
　This time Japan's pride for being the birthplace of gateball is at stake and they are driven by a strong urge to win back the championship with victory over China, which is their strong rival.
　The sixteen participating teams and their past performances are as follows. Also, the photographs of each team have been taken during the International Championships and All Japan Gateball Championships in the past. (※ Photograph of the Yotsuba-cho Club team and The Niitsu team are not available).
The Friends Sports Club (Kagoshima) which won the 6th Asia Championship is a leading candidate for winning this championship. Sata King (Kagoshima), which won the 29th All Japan Gateball Championship in 2013 is in great form.
Brasil Club (Aichi) won the 28th All Japan Gateball Championship held in 2012. This team mainly comprises of Japanese Brazilians! Shodoshima Hoei (Kagawa) won the 27th All Japan Gateball Championship held in 2011. Players are mainly middle-aged and aspire to gain experience.
TKE (Niigata) was the runner-up in the 29th All Japan Gateball Championship held in 2013. The only team from Japan to have made it into the best 8! FC Fuefuki (Yamanashi) was the runner-up in the 28th All Japan Gateball Championship held in 2012. An aggressive team!
Josho Kiryu (Tottori) was the runner-up in the 27th All Japan Gateball Championship held in 2011. A family team with mainly players who are parents and their children. Miyakonojo Tomonokai (Miyazaki) was 3rd place in the 29th All Japan Gateball Championship held in 2013. A low profile team that racks up victories with their teamwork!
Tsuyama GB Family (Okayama) was 3rd place in the 28th All Japan Gateball Championship held in 2012. A proficient team that has been around for a long time! Kitsune Ana (Gifu) was 3rd place in the 27th All Japan Gateball Championship held in 2011. The team mainly comprises of middle-aged players and includes players who are parents and their children.
Komatsushima (Tokushima) was amongst the best 8 in the 29th All Japan Gateball Championship held in 2013. A distinguished team that has been turning out highly capable junior players recently   Ogaki (Gifu) was amongst the best 8 in the 29th All Japan Gateball Championship held in 2013. A young team with players in their 20s - 30s who have been playing since when they were juniors
Shiga Club (Nagano) was amongst the best 8 in the 29th All Japan Gateball Championship held in 2013. Experienced players! Wagen (Miyagi) was amongst the best 8 in the 28th All Japan Gateball Championship held in 2012. Attempting for the first time with their Tohoku power!


Yotsuba-cho Club (Toyama) was amongst the best 8 in the 28th All Japan Gateball Championship held in 2012. In their 60s - 70s the players play with the power of their seniority.


The Niitsu (Niigata) that is participating as it has been recommended by Niigata, which is hosting the championship. Will the home ground cheering serve as a spur?  
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