Bhubaneswar Plays Gateball. Do You Even Know What That Is?

Bhubaneswar Plays Gateball. Do You Even Know What That Is?

While the city sleeps, a quiet game of strategy and community unfolds in its parks.

In a country where cricket commentary fills living rooms and football fever steadily climbs, there’s another game being played in silence—without fanfare, cheerleaders, or multi-crore sponsorships.

It happens just as the sun rises, in Bhubaneswar’s public parks—Unit-1 Government Park being the most active among them. A few people, often dressed in crisp whites, walk calmly onto the grass carrying slender wooden mallets. They set up three gates and a single pole in the middle of a rectangular field. And then, for the next 30 minutes, they play a sport most Indians have never heard of: Gateball.

There’s no shouting, no diving, no aggressive celebration. Just the focused click of the ball meeting the mallet, and the occasional nod of approval. It’s strange. Mesmerizing, even. And it begs the question—what exactly is this game?

From Post-War Japan to Parks Around the World

Gateball was born in 1947 in Memuro, a small town in Hokkaido, Japan. Teacher Eiji Suzuki was looking for a way to keep local children active in the wake of World War II, when sporting resources were scarce. Inspired by croquet, he invented a faster, more strategic version that anyone could play.

Ironically, it was the older generation who adopted the game with more passion. With its mix of strategy, mental precision, and low-impact movement, gateball became a favorite among senior citizens. Over time, it quietly spread through Asia and Latin America—reaching more than 30 countries, from Brazil to South Korea.

What Makes Gateball So… Different?

Picture this: two teams of five players each, playing on a 20x15 meter field. Each player has a uniquely numbered ball. The goal? Pass your ball through three gates in order, and hit the goal pole—within a strict 30-minute window. Points are earned with every successful pass or hit.

But this isn’t just a game of aim—it’s one of strategy. Teams can disrupt each other’s progress, block shots, or knock rival balls out of position. In the right hands, a simple shot can flip the momentum of the game entirely.

It’s a sport that rewards calm thinking over brute force. Which is probably why, despite its silent nature, it can be surprisingly intense to watch.

 A World Game, Quietly Played

While gateball is rarely televised, it’s very much alive. International tournaments are held regularly, particularly in Asia and South America. Japan, China, Brazil, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Thailand lead the charge, sending elite teams to championships hosted under the banner of the World Gateball Union.

Despite its low profile, the game enjoys deep cultural roots in these regions—often taught in schools, senior clubs, and community parks.

 India’s Curious Beginning and a Growing Presence

India’s tryst with gateball began not through government programs but through curious travelers and educators who encountered it abroad. By 2009 that curiosity had matured into something concrete—the Indian Gateball Union (IGU), headquartered in Bhubaneswar.

The Indian Gateball Union (IGU) wasn’t formed just to play—it was established to institutionalize the sport across India. Its objectives were ambitious and far-reaching: to promote gateball through local, state, and international championships; to educate players by organizing workshops and training sessions; to train instructors and officials through certified examinations; and to foster, develop, and regulate the sport at all levels.

Under its guidance, India began sending teams to compete on the global stage—and the results were nothing short of impressive. In 2010, the Indian team emerged as champions in Indonesia and secured third place in Australia. This was followed by another championship win in Thailand in 2012. In 2018, India clinched the title once again, this time in Taiwan. The momentum continued in 2023 with championship victories in both Thailand and Macau, along with a runner-up finish in Hong Kong. More recently, during the 2024–25 season, India achieved third-place finishes in both Indonesia and Thailand, cementing its growing reputation in the international gateball community.India, quietly and consistently, had become a formidable gateball nation.

Bhubaneswar: The City That Put India on the Gateball Map

The heart of India’s gateball story lies in Bhubaneswar. From small morning gatherings to formal tournaments, the city has served as the nerve center of the game.

Unit-1 Government Park is one such hub, where players gather every day, some well into their 60s and 70s. What began as a retirement hobby has slowly evolved into a multi-generational community.

The city also holds strategic importance at the global level. One of IGU’s key trustees, Sanjay Pattanayak, now serves as the Vice Chairman of the Asia Pacific Gateball Union—a remarkable feat that places Bhubaneswar on the international gateball map in a very real way.

Why You Still Haven’t Heard of It

Despite global achievements, gateball remains on the periphery in India. Why?

No sponsors. No TV slots. No government funding. And a name that doesn’t quite spark curiosity.

It doesn’t help that gateball’s quiet, strategic nature doesn’t lend itself to highlight reels or Instagram virality. It’s a sport that unfolds in slow burns and patient plays. In an age of high-octane thrills, that can be a tough sell.

But those who do discover it often stay. As one veteran player in Bhubaneswar said, “Once you understand the game, you can’t stop thinking about your next move—even off the field.”

The Present: A New Generation Eyes the Game

Interestingly, gateball is undergoing a generational shift. A growing number of students and younger professionals have begun frequenting local games, intrigued by its brainy charm.

There are now plans to introduce gateball into school and university sports programs in Odisha. Few local colleges and universities of Bhubaneswar have started showing interest. A regional YouTube channel with tutorials in Odia and Hindi is also in the works.

The IGU has recently launched "Gateball Connect"—an initiative to bring workshops, exhibitions, and training modules to schools across the state.

Looking Ahead: The Big Picture

The Indian Gateball Union hopes to host a major international gateball friendly in Bhubaneswar by 2026. If successful, it could mark a watershed moment—turning a quiet local game into a national curiosity.

There’s also talk of proposing gateball as a demonstration sport at the National Games of India, which could open doors to recognition by the Ministry of Sports.

Whether or not that happens, one thing is certain: the game has found a home. A city. A rhythm. A reason to exist.

The Gentle Game Has a Lot to Say

So the next time you’re out for a morning walk and hear a quiet click of a ball being struck, pause. You might just be passing a battlefield of strategy and camaraderie.

Gateball doesn’t ask for your attention. It earns it—slowly, quietly, with every stroke of the mallet.

The only question is: are we ready to listen?