Hong Kong, China and Japanese
teams take part in the first international exchange tournament
Macao's first international exchange tournament, "The 3rd Anniversary of
the Restoration of Macao to China Asia Friendship Tournament", was held on
December 11 and 12 of last year. A total of 32 teams participated with 2 teams
from Macao, 2 from Hong Kong, 23 from China and 1 from Japan. The event was held
in Chinese style with league games starting early in the morning, the opening
ceremony being held between games and the tournament matches being played later.
Although a Chinese team won, the Macao Olympic Committee Chairperson was present,
which gave an indication that the event was a good public relations campaign for
GB in Macao.
In 1997, the Macao governments culture and health department visited Hong Kong
and learned of GB there. It decided to set up a promotion program and organization.
This resulted in Macao establishing the Gateball Association prior to the restoration
of Macao to China. At present there are 11 teams (approx. 100 members) registered.
Among these 5 teams are middle adult teams. Once every 3 months all teams participate
in a tournament, as well as regular exchange matches with teams from Hong Kong
and mainland China.
In order to increase the number of members, plans are being made for various events
and organization structuring as well as entry into the World Union as soon as
possible. |
The Macao players, like their Chinese counterparts mostly use the
"matagi uchi"
|
In the back row, the Macao team, in the front row the China junior
team |
32 teams from Macao, Hong Kong, China and Japan participate in
Macao's first international tournament |
Macao government officials line up to participate in an unusual
opening play ceremony |
Referees and staff all wear the same Macao Gateball Association
jackets |
The scoreboard used at the tournament |
Participant' s comment
Impressed by the very warm welcome
JSD Iwate Team
During the tournament, crowds gathered around our court to watch us play and cheer
for us. As a result, we managed to advance to the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals
we met the China team which surprised us with their high-level touch; 13 or 14-meter
long "touch". On the morning of the tournament Tai Chi Chuan was performed
on the tournament grounds. We were taught how to do it and performed it together
with everyone. It was a wonderful memory. ( Captain Shuichi Yoshida) |
Macao Olympic Committee Chairperson (far right) |
