The 2023 Chinese Gateball Championship (Jinhua) regional selection tournament is held in Yiwu on April 7. [Photo/Zhejiang Daily]

The 2023 Chinese Gateball Championship (Jinhua) regional selection tournament commenced at the Xiaoyi Gateball Court in Suxi town, Yiwu on April 7.

The event, themed on welcoming the Asian Games and promoting rural vitalization, featured 16 teams and about 120 senior gateball players.

Gateball is a popular sport among the elderly, who see it as a good means to keep their minds and bodies active and healthy.

The sport requires precision in positioning and hitting the ball with the club, promoting analytical thinking and having a positive effect on the physical and mental health of senior citizens.

To better serve the needs of the elderly, Suxi town invested nearly 1 million yuan ($145,290) to renovate the Xiaoyi Gateball Court in 2022.