The Iconic India International Open Gateball Tournament (IIIOGT) 2025 officially kicked off Sunday at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, with a grand inauguration ceremony attended by dignitaries, athletes, and sports enthusiasts.
The two-day event, organised by the Iconic Sports Federation (ISF) in collaboration with the Indian Gateball Union (IGU), brings together top international teams and India’s best state squads for what promises to be a high-octane sporting spectacle.
The event was inaugurated in the presence of former Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal, Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, Tarini Prasad Mahanty, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Umakant Jena, Executive Secretary, Dr Chidatmika Khatua, Director ISF, Dipayan Pattanaik, Director, Asia Pacific Gateball Union, Dr Umakanta Pani, President IGU, and other senior officials from the federation. The ceremony included a torch-lighting and ribbon-cutting, followed by welcoming remarks from the organisers.
“This tournament is a milestone for Gateball in India and a proud moment for Odisha,” said the organisers. “We welcome players and fans from across the world to witness the game’s strategy, speed, and excitement unfold on the field.”
The IIIOGT 2025 features teams from four international powerhouses — Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Taiwan — alongside squads from 18 Indian states. Over 400 players, officials, and special guests are participating in Classic and Doubles events. Matches will be played over 30-minute sessions, with points scored by passing balls through gates or hitting the central goal pole.
Gateball is a fast-growing strategic team sport, played on a 20m x 15m rectangular court with three gates and a goal pole. Two teams — Red and White, each with up to five players — compete using numbered balls. Precision, strategy, and teamwork are key to success, making it a sport that challenges both mental and physical agility.
Gateball was invented in Japan in 1947 by Suzuki Kazunobu, who adapted the rules of croquet to create an accessible, wood-based game during a post-war shortage of rubber. It gained popularity in the 1950s and 60s, especially among women’s groups and senior citizens in Kumamoto City. The Japanese Gateball Union (JGU) was formed in 1984, followed by the World Gateball Union (WGU) in 1985, helping the sport expand globally to over 20 countries.
With international teams ready to compete and home squads aiming for glory, the IIIOGT 2025 promises two days of thrilling Gateball action, highlighting Odisha’s growing stature as a hub for world-class sports events.
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