Bhubaneswar, 30 November 2025:
The sports fraternity witnessed a remarkable milestone today as the Iconic Sports Federation (ISF), in collaboration with the Indian Gateball Union (IGU), inaugurated the Iconic Indian International Open Gateball Tournament 2025 (IIIOGT 2025) at the prestigious Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.
With athletes, international delegates, and dignitaries in attendance, the opening ceremony showcased India’s growing stature in global sports—particularly in the rapidly emerging discipline of Gateball.

Honourable Dignitaries Grace the Occasion

The ceremony was elevated by the distinguished presence of eminent leaders whose support continues to energize India’s sporting ambitions:

• Prof. Ganeshi Lal, Former Governor of Odisha

• Shri Rabi Narayan Nayak, Hon’ble Minister, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water

• Shri Rabindra Narayan Behera, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Jajpur

• Shri Sujit Das, Chairman, Media Cell, BJP Odisha

Their participation added prestige to the event and reflected the government’s encouragement for the development of alternative and emerging sports in India.

Global Participation Highlights India’s Rising Gateball Influence

IIIOGT 2025 stood out with vibrant international participation from Taiwan, Indonesia, and multiple states across India. Distinguished global guests included:

• Mr. Line Pei Chun, Secretary, Asia Pacific Gateball Union (Taiwan)

• Ms. Nyimas Ema Holiza, Indonesia

This year, the tournament brought together 24 international players and over 200 national players from 18 Indian states, reinforcing Bhubaneswar’s reputation as the Sports Capital of India.
The diversity of participants and the exchange of cultural and sporting knowledge demonstrated Gateball’s growing traction in India and Asia.

ISF Leadership Driving the Vision

The event seamlessly showcased the collective effort and strategic foresight of ISF’s dynamic leadership team:

• Dr. Chidatmika Khatua, Director

• Dr. Sanjaya Chaudhury, Director

• Dr. Sekh Abdul Samim, Director

• Dr. Pradipta Mohanty, National President

Supporting leadership included:

• Mr. Tarini Prasad Mohanty, Chairman, IIIOGT 2025

• Mr. Umakanth Jena, Organizing Secretary

• Mr. Bibhu Prasad Mishra, State President, ISF Odisha

• Ms. Rashi Agarwal, State Convener, ISF Odisha

• Major Dr. Kalpana Das, Distinguished Member

A key announcement during the ceremony was ISF’s plan to launch an International Gateball League in Canada, a visionary step aimed at expanding India’s global footprint and promoting Gateball as a mainstream competitive sport.

IGU Leadership Strengthening India’s Gateball Ecosystem

The strong presence of the Indian Gateball Union played a critical role in steering the tournament’s technical excellence.
The following leaders graced the event:

• Dr. Umakanta Pani, President, IGU

• Shri Dwaipayan Pattnaik, Senior Official

• Shri Ranjan Patra, Senior Official

Their coordination with referees, coaches, and technical teams ensured world-class execution and adherence to international Gateball standards.

Tournament Highlights: A Celebration of Skill, Culture & Collaboration

The two-day tournament (30 November – 1 December 2025) features a vibrant mix of activities aimed at strengthening Gateball’s ecosystem across India:

• International & National-Level Matches

• Technical Demonstrations & Coaching Insights

• Youth Participation and Training Workshops

• Cultural Exchange Between Nations

• Promotion of India in Global Gateball Circuits

Athletes displayed precision, teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship—core elements of Gateball that make it one of the fastest-growing sports internationally.

ISF’s Mission: Making India ICONIC in Sports

Speaking on the occasion, ISF leadership reiterated:

“ISF is committed to making India ICONIC in sports — from grassroots to global arenas.”

The Iconic Indian International Open Gateball Tournament 2025 stands as a testament to this vision, paving the way for India’s emergence as a powerhouse in alternative and global sports.