What Is Gongshow Hockey?
Gongshow is the newest sport where players use hockey sticks and nets to shoot gongs at each other. If you want to know more, check out our guide on What Is Gongshow Hockey? below.
Table of Contents
The Background
For those who don’t know, gongs have been around for centuries and were originally used as a means of warning people of some danger or threat. These days they’re most commonly used in Asian countries as a form of celebration, especially during festivals and holidays.
Although gong shows have been a part of Chinese culture for many years, it wasn’t until January 2021 that the first official gong show league started. Dubbed the Asiae League, it featured 12 teams from across the continent and was open to amateur and senior players alike. The aim was to promote the sport and give players a chance to show off their skills.
The Rules
According to the Asiae League’s official rules, Gongshow Hockey is a ‘stick-and-ball sport played between two teams of three, using lacquered wooden sticks and nets to propel metal gongs towards a target’. The sport is overseen by the Fédération Internationale de Geschow (FIAG), the governing body for world gong sports, and is a combination of basketball, hockey, and rugby. Like most traditional Chinese sports, Gongshow was designed as a fight-free environment where participants aim to use their skill rather than their physique.
Each player is allowed two penalty strokes per game and up to four ‘normal’ shots. The scoring system involves five points for a gong, two points for a hat trick, and one point for every additional gong hit. The team that accumulates the most points at the end of the game wins.
The Equipment
Gong shows are played in a 3v3 format, which means that each team has three players on the court at any given time. Every player is required to have a stick and a protective gear, which consists of a mouthpiece and earplugs. Like other sports involving blunt objects, the head is particularly vulnerable to injury, which is why players are required to wear helmets during games.
The ball is a small, bean-shaped item approximately two inches in diameter and is heavily weighted to make it easier for players to hold on to and pass to one another. This is especially important in a three-player game where passing is key to keeping the ball moving and keeping opponents honest.
One of the more unique pieces of equipment in any Gongshow game is the gongs themselves. Made from either metal or hard plastic, each gong measures two feet in diameter and weighs between 2.8 and 4.8kg. While the shape and size vary, they all follow the same pattern and generally consist of a head, two arms, and a straight piece that extends from the head to the handle.
The Location
As the name would suggest, Gongshow games are usually played in the open, so the rules don’t state whether or not the goal is to avoid head injuries. Typically, they take place in parks or other recreation areas where there are enough open spaces for players to execute some amazing tricks and stunts. Naturally, this also makes it easier for fans to get involved and support their favorite teams.
Who Plays?
While some notable Western sports brands have tried to enter the Asian market in the past few years, it’s still considered a bit of a risky endeavor to be associated with anything related to traditional Chinese culture. Many professional players have turned down offers to play for Asian teams due to the lack of availability of decent jobs. Additionally, the cost of living in some of these countries can be extremely high. This makes amateurs the preferred choice, as they can play for local teams and gain experience, without needing to worry about paying for everyday living costs.
Gongshow is a game that suits the average man just fine, as it isn’t overly demanding and can be played by anyone. This makes it a great option for players who want to improve their skills and prove that they belong on the court, alongside established professionals. Additionally, with fewer restrictions, it allows for more freedom of movement and gives players hope of continuing their athletic career after their professional playing days are over.
The History
The Fédération Internationale de Geschow (FIAG) was founded in 1874 and is responsible for the global governance and development of gong sports. The acronym stands for ‘International Association of Gongology and Sports’. The organization’s mission statement is “To unite all gong sports under one roof and make the sport accessible to all’. To do this, FIAG promotes gong shows in various parts of the world and organizes international competitions.
Gong shows are just one of the many Chinese sports that were influenced by basketball and hockey. The other sports that can be found in the country include ping pong, table tennis, and car racing. However, it was only in the last few years that gong shows began gaining popularity outside of Asia. In 2019, Canada and the U.S. jointly hosted the first-ever international gong show tournament, where Canadian teams placed second and third, losing in the finals to a team from the U.S.A.
Now that they’ve got the tournament behind them, it’s likely that more countries will host international gong show tournaments in the coming years. The development of this unique sport shows that with the right support and organization, any sport can flourish in the right environment.