“The Gateball League” which was initiated by the clubs of four European countries in 2016, was held in Hamburg, Germany from May 3 to May 5, 2019 in the forms of doubles and singles matches.

The venue of the first Gateball League in 2019 was the Croquet Club in Quickborn, 25 km north from Hamburg.  It was the 3^rdtimes that the Gateball League is held here. One year earlier than in Hamburg, the Gateball League had started in Geneva (Switzerland), Beaune (France), and Eifel (Germany).  The place was fabulous with the well-maintained lawn and the wonderful Club House.  Players could play Gateball under the wonderful conditions.

Players from Switzerland, Belgium, Japan, and Germany participated in the round-robin doubles matches. The team made of Belgian and German players became the victor.

Although the number of participants is not big, it was a fun event with many regular faces.  Many European players prioritize “enjoyment” over the match results. They seem to enjoy playing Gateball while appreciating exchanges with other players and living a healthy life through it.

Photos of this Gateball League can be found on the following websites.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/yk75PxDfsM7jFE1ZA

The schedule of the “Gateball League” in 2019 is as follows;

　France Gateball League in Beaune: June 28 (Mon) to 30 (Sun), 2019

　Germany Gateball League in Grandsdorf: August 16 (Fri) to 18 (Sun)

　Switzerland Gateball League in Geneva: September 27 (Fri) to 29 (Sun). 2019

　France Gateball League Saint-Cannat: October 11 (Fri) to 13 (Sun), 2019

Schedule of International Gateball Open Tournament in 2019 including this Gateball League and contact details for inquiries can be found here (PDF page on websites of the World Gateball Union).

https://gateball.or.jp/wgu/common/pdf/schedule_01.pdf

Photo by Keiichi Imagawa