The 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei and New Taipei City is set to take place in May 2025. To prepare for the soccer competition scheduled from May 25 to 30, the Hsinchu County Government held a venue inspection and test match at the Second Stadium yesterday (April 22nd). On behalf of County Magistrate Yang Wen-ke, Hsinchu County Education Bureau Director Yang Chun-tzu attended along with Taipei City Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-hua, World Masters Games Office Executive Director Lin Che-hung, Chinese Taipei Football Association Deputy Secretary-General Tsai Cheng-hsiung, and Hsinchu County Football Committee Director-General Liu Hsiang-hsing. Together, they inspected the venue to make final preparations for the international event.
Magistrate Yang made a statement that as a co-host for the 2025 World Masters Games, Hsinchu County is responsible for organizing the soccer and golf events, with the soccer competition to be held at the Second Stadium. The event is expected to attract about 200 domestic and international masters athletes every day. The Games’ mission is to “promote lifelong sports and sports for all”, so hosting this international event will further enhance Hsinchu County’s sports culture and demonstrate the County’s soft and hard power in sports development.
Director Yang mentioned that to meet international competition venue standards, the Second Stadium underwent renovations costing NT$63,333,334, with NT$38 million subsidized by the Ministry of Education’s Sports Administration and NT$25,333,334 covered by Hsinchu County. The main work included complete renewal of the artificial turf, upgrading of nighttime lighting, replacement of spectator seats, and waterproofing of the ground. The turf uses the Dutch brand Greenfield’s Slide Max Pro series with SBR rubber granules as filling material; the turf passed the FIFA Quality Pro laboratory test on March 28, and is expected to receive official certification in early May.
To enhance nighttime lighting quality, all 224 lights in the venue were replaced with adjustable LED fixtures, achieving an average illuminance exceeding 1500 LUX and lighting uniformity of 0.6 or higher. This ensures that athletes can compete under optimal visual conditions. Additionally, to improve the attendee experience, the grandstand seats and flooring were also completely upgraded, with final acceptance projected by the end of April. An Education Bureau official stated that these hardware upgrades not only facilitate smoother event operations, but also place Hsinchu County on the international sports stage again, demonstrating the County’s overall strength and professional image.
Yesterday’s program also included two test matches for on-site practice: the Chinese Taipei U20 team vs. the Kaohsiung Attackers, and the Hsinchu County U15 Elite team vs. the Taipei Training Center U15. These events tested the venue’s operating efficiency and field management response capabilities, to lay a solid foundation for the official World Masters Games events.
In her speech, Deputy Mayor Lin expressed gratitude to Magistrate Yang and all staff for their assistance in preparing for the 2025 World Masters Games. This is not only a sporting event for global masters athletes, but also an important platform for promoting lifelong sports, public health, and local tourism. She stated her confidence that with everyone’s concerted efforts, the 2025 World Masters Games will leave a profound and brilliant impression on the whole world.
Hsinchu County Government is ready! Hsinchu County is working hard to see the 2025 World Masters Games to a successful conclusion that will help the world see Taiwan’s athletics prowess while experiencing Hsinchu County’s enthusiasm and expertise.