ASIAN CUP ROUNDNET CHAMPIONSHIP 2023
The First Asian Cup Roundnet Championship
As the world of sports continues to diversify and evolve, it is thrilling to observe the development of the sport of roundnet worldwide. This article takes under scope the first Asian Cup Roundnet Championship (ARF Cup 2023), which took place on September 21-24 in Bali, Indonesia.
This thrilling event served as a platform to spotlight the swift expansion of roundnet, also known as Spikeball, on the global stage. The competition united six teams from diverse regions of Asia and Oceania.
Approximately 130 players hailing from Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, and Australia vied for the title of the top team in mainland Asia.
The Rise of Roundnet in Asia
The event conducted over a span of four days at Renon Field in Denpasar exuded a vibrant and profoundly engaging atmosphere.
With approximately 30 sets of Rumble installed on a single field, the vibe was exceptionally delightful. Rumble Roundnet, a Taiwanese roundnet set manufacturer company, proudly served as the equipment sponsor for this monumental event.
Landslide victory of Taiwan
Taiwan dominated in all three categories, including Men's Squad, Women's Squad, and Mixed Squad. Exceptional games, formidable physical endurance, and superior technical skills collectively established Taiwan's supremacy across all divisions.
The Bali Open Tournament
welcomed participation from all interested individuals and teams, without any requirement for national representation. In this inclusive competition, two distinct classes competed: the Open Division was clinched by Joel Read & Thomas Kaldor from Australia, while the Women's Division title was secured by Carina Kuo & Yu-Fang Chiu from Taiwan.
Big Buzz in the Roundnet World
The excitement of this event also received a lot of attention and appreciation from many Roundnet communities not only from Asian players, but also from various other parts of the world. Jack Scotti, the president of the International Roundnet Federation (IRF) said:
"We are always impressed by the rapid growth of roundnet in Asia. However, this progress is not surprising due to the consistent efforts of the Asian Roundnet Federation and its member National Federations to grow the sport. Their dedication, organization, and passion are paying off. The 2023 Asian Championships in Bali is a great example of how far the sport has come in the region. It shows the international community that these athletes should not be underestimated at the 2024 World Championships in England."
Mastermind of the event
The success of the Bali International Roundnet Festival 2023, including the ARF Cup and Bali Open Tournament, is significantly influenced by Genta Fajar's contributions. He has been a pioneer of roundnet sports in Indonesia for the past three years, demonstrating unwavering commitment to promoting and expanding the reach of this sport throughout the country. Today, he holds the esteemed position of President of the Indonesian Roundnet Association.
In his speech at the opening of the event, Genta Fajar said "Indonesia's success in making history by hosting the first Asian Cup Roundnet Championship proves to the international community that this sport industry continues to grow and show a good development graph, especially in Indonesia & the Asian continent".
Results of ARF Cup 2023
Mens Squad
1. Taiwan 2. Australia 3. Philippines 4. Indonesia 5. Japan 6. Hong Kong
Womens Squad
1. Taiwan 2. Philippines 3. Japan 4. Hong Kong
Mixed Squad
1. Taiwan 2. Philippines 3. Japan 4. Indonesia 5. Hong Kong
Bali Open Results
Open Division
1. SR Common Men (Joel Read & Thomas Kaldor) - Australia
2. Ace or Double Fault (Jerry Lee & Yu-Heng Kao) - Taiwan
3. Little Reysol (Yuya Takei & Yuki Nakamura) - Japan
Womens Division
1. Limitless Connection (Carina Kuo & Yu-Fang Chiu) - Taiwan
2. What Are You Wei-Ting For? (Astrid Chang & Reid Tingwei Lee) - Taiwan
3. Negritas PHL (Aileen K Anlap & Mary Frances Navera) - Philippines
