Baseball and football are certainly the top ranking sports in Japan, but the way things are going, that may only be for the time being, as, with the population rapidly shrinking and the ever-increasing number old people living longer and longer, gate ball might just become the next national sport.
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And with Tokyo bidding for the 2016 Olympic Games, this decidedly ponderous pastime could conceivably join the roster and compete with the likes of anything equestrian related as a must see competition; especially so as it combines all the important aspects of a spectator sport, such as skill,Â
teamwork,
tension,
and the odd bit of intricate technique.
Along with even the occasional flourish when it comes to fashion.
Matt says
Holding the ball with your foot must be against some rule. It’s bad form at the very least…surely.
Lee says
From the 5 minutes or so I spent watching Matt, it seems to be an integral part of the game. Although it could well be out of order to start stepping on other player’s balls…
Tyler says
Appears to be a form of Croquet
phossil says
Play Ball!!
Tornadoes28 says
I agree with Tyler, looks similar to croquet.