NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Concerns emerged over the low registration numbers for the World Masters Games 2025 (WMG 2025, 雙北世壯運) as a New Taipei City councilor highlighted on Tuesday (Jan. 21) that only 20 out of 57 events had reached half their expected registration.
The Games, scheduled to begin May 17, face challenges in attracting participants, particularly in sports like 3-on-3 basketball, softball, and tug-of-war, according to Councilor Huang Shu-chun (黃淑君). Councilor Huang urged New Taipei's Sports Department (體育局) to enhance promotional efforts, pointing to the user-unfriendliness of the registration website as a barrier.
Meanwhile, Councilor Chen Ming-yi (陳明義) suggested replacing the NT$1,200 transportation card for international participants with an empty card for free MRT and Taiwan Railway rides to prevent wasted funds. Chen also criticized New Taipei City's lack of a comprehensive plan to leverage the Games as a carnival-like event for tourism. Councilor Shih I-yu (石一佑) also raised concerns about the entry of 1,319 Chinese participants among the 8,000 international athletes, emphasizing the need to ensure their timely arrival.
Hung Yu-ling (洪玉玲), director of New Taipei's Sports Department, announced plans to boost promotions for under-registered events and collaborate with the Sports Administration(體育署). Hung also assured that international participants would receive complimentary weekend bus rides to tourist spots like Shueinandong (水湳洞), Jinguashui (金瓜石), and Jiufen (九份).
The Executive Yuan (行政院) convened a meeting earlier to address potential entry issues, with Hung affirming that Chinese participants won't face difficulties entering Taiwan. The city aims to resolve these challenges and ensure a successful event.
