Jakarta: Aice Group, a leading ice cream manufacturer in Indonesia, continues its commitment to advancing national sports by supporting the development of the woodball sport. Aice’s involvement in backing athletes from this sport—which is being contested for the first time in the SEA Games—marks a tangible contribution to a new sport that holds the potential to bring pride to the nation on the international stage.

 

This support was officially announced as part of a strategic partnership between Aice, as the Official Ice Cream Partner, and the Indonesia Woodball Association (IWbA), during the National Selection Event (Seleknas) for the Woodball Road to SEA Games Thailand 2025, which concluded on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Yani Golf Course in Surabaya.

 

Following the signing ceremony, Aice immediately expressed appreciation for the Indonesian woodball athletes who competed in the Taiwan Open 2025 on May 15–16. At the event, Indonesia won gold and silver medals, showcasing both athletic achievement and Aice’s real commitment to the growth of woodball.

 

Currently, woodball is rapidly developing in many countries. Combining elements of golf and croquet, it is played by striking a wooden ball with a special mallet toward a goal consisting of two wooden posts.

 

In Indonesia, the sport is overseen by the Indonesia Woodball Association (IWbA). Although relatively new, it has demonstrated strong potential, as shown by its participation in high-level international championships.

 

The Indonesian Woodball team has achieved outstanding success, especially during the 9th World Cup Woodball Championship 2024 in Shangyu, China, where the East Java team representing Indonesia won a total of five medals (3 gold and 2 silver).

 

Additionally, at the Taiwan Open International Woodball Championship 2024, the Indonesian team won 1 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze medal. In the 2023 Beach Woodball World Cup in Malaysia, Indonesia secured another gold medal, adding to the nation’s pride in the sport.

 

With its growing reach and increasing support, woodball is expected to become a proud alternative sport for Indonesia and nurture future high-achieving athletes. One of woodball’s strengths lies in its affordable and easily accessible equipment, allowing it to be played by the general public. Much like popular sports such as football and badminton, woodball doesn’t require complex facilities or expensive gear.

 

Sylvana Zhong, Senior Brand Manager of Aice Group, expressed her pride in supporting the development of woodball in Indonesia. She hopes the collaboration will help foster talented athletes who can bring honor to Indonesia on the global stage.

 

“Aice is very proud to support the development of sports, especially woodball in Indonesia. Although the sport is not yet widely known, we see great potential for it to grow and make the nation proud. Through this collaboration, Aice is committed not only to supporting athletes but also to introducing woodball more broadly to the public,” said Sylvana in an official statement.

 

She added that Aice’s support is part of the company’s social contribution to building a healthy, accomplished, and competitive young generation. Aice believes that sports can be a key foundation in shaping national character, and this collaboration is a strategic step toward strengthening the national sports ecosystem.

 

Woodball is gaining attention in Indonesia because it can be played by people of all ages—from children to adults. Moreover, it is suitable for various environments, making it a fun and accessible outdoor physical activity.

 

Unlike golf, which tends to be exclusive, woodball offers broader access with more affordable equipment. Just like Aice ice cream, which brings joy to everyone, woodball offers people the chance to enjoy play and social interaction.

 

With similarities to golf, woodball teaches skills such as precision, planning, and accuracy. Beyond its technical aspects, the sport also promotes strong social values as it is usually played in groups or teams, enhancing camaraderie and sportsmanship.

 

Aang Sunadji, Chairman of the Indonesian Woodball Association (PB IWbA), welcomed Aice’s initiative in supporting the journey and development of the woodball sport. He stated that this support could mark the beginning of many proud achievements for Indonesian woodball.

 

“We truly appreciate Aice’s support in accompanying woodball as a growing new sport. We hope this will be the starting point for the emergence of talented athletes and excellent achievements for Indonesian woodball,” said Aang.

 

“Aice’s support not only improves athlete development but also helps expand public awareness and understanding of woodball,” he added.

 

Aang further explained that the recent national selection was a vital first step in identifying top athletes to represent Indonesia at the SEA Games. The selection brought together 75 top athletes from 11 provinces, competing in four categories: Men’s Single Stroke, Women’s Single Stroke, Men’s Fairway, and Women’s Fairway. From this event, 32 standout athletes were chosen to proceed to the SEA Games Thailand 2025 National Training Camp.

 

In addition, the Indonesia Woodball Association (IWbA) plans to host several international championships in 2025 to promote woodball domestically and strengthen Indonesia’s international position. Planned events include the Asian Cup Woodball Championship and the Indonesia Open Woodball Tournament, scheduled for August 2025.

 

The Potential of Woodball Achievements and Aice's Role in Raising Sports Awareness

 

Aice’s support for woodball goes beyond providing facilities—it also includes public campaigns to increase awareness about the importance of sports and healthy living.

 

Aice has demonstrated similar commitments through programs like “15 Days of Aice Sharing Health,” which routinely educates the public about health and physical activity every month. These programs include sports events such as Senengminton, Wingchun, and Fun Volleyball, all of which help introduce sports to the public and encourage more active participation.

 

As a brand known for innovative products like Aice Histeria and Mooochii Ice Cream, Aice hopes to continue inspiring the public to live active and healthy lifestyles. The newest innovation, Mooochii Mango, offers an ultra-soft and chewy mochi skin, paired with refreshing, sweet mango ice cream and bits of jelly in every bite—providing a unique experience with every taste.

 

“Through our ice cream product innovations, we aim to spread positive energy and enthusiasm in supporting Indonesian sports achievements. Our support for woodball is an important first step. We hope this collaboration continues to grow and brings Indonesia success at the 2025 SEA Games and beyond,” Sylvana concluded.

 

Source: Medcom.id