The 2025 Macao International Gateball Championships was hosted by the General Association of Macao Gateball. The Championship consisted of Team (50 teams), Doubles (36 pair) and Singles (36 players) events.
Each team was allowed to enter one team, one doubles and one singles entry on a first in basis. Gateball Australia entered one team (Geoff Crook, Peter Martinuik, Ros Crowe, Maddi Crowe, Petula Shun and Julia Tai), one doubles pair (Ros Crowe and Maddi Crowe) and one singles entry (Geoff Crook).
Unlike Australian events, which are held consecutively, all three events were held at the same time with team games, singles games and doubles games mixed throughout the days. This was challenging for players that needed to be at a team event, then at a singles or doubles event in the next round, but the organisers were patient in waiting for players to become available.
Geoff Crook was successful in getting through to the finals rounds in the Singles event after being placed 1st in his block.
The venue was the Macao Federation of Trade Unions Workers Stadium, a synthetic soccer stadium.
This was a fantastic facility with covered areas for sitting and eating and marquees provided for the teams and referees around the stadium. This synthetic grass was closest to croquet courts in texture and speed.
An opening ceremony was held on the second afternoon of the event, including traditional entertainment and a large scale ceremonial gate. There was a referee oath and a player oath.
At the Presentation Dinner held on the last night of the event, the team captain Geoff Crook was presented with a participation trophy for the team event. We enjoyed taking photos with the trophy.
Chinese Teams won in all categories of the Championship. The finals were amazing to watch!
We thank all the volunteers and staff of the General Association of Macao Gateball who assisted us during our visit. They made us feel very welcome in Macao and were keen to help us enjoy their local culture and cuisine, assisting us to locate local restaurants and even sharing recipes with us. We can definitely recommend the amazing Pork Bones and Lotus Root dish and of course the Portuguese tarts!
A collection of photos taken by the General Association of Macao Gateball during the event can be found by following the link below:
Ros Crowe – National Coordinator – Gateball
