Players experience Hado sports at the Hado Arena. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

Meleap, a Japan-based leading company in augmented reality sports, recently established its global flagship store, Hado Arena, in the Shanghai Landmark Center in Hongkou district. The Hado World Cup is set to be held in Shanghai in 2025, with participants from over 30 countries and regions.

The word "hado" is derived from Hadoken, meaning surging fist, first made famous in the original Street Fighter game. Originating from Japan, Hado is an AR team sport played with up to three people on each team. Using head-mounted displays and armband sensors, players can compete against each other with virtual energy balls on a real-life court.

Meleap China, a subsidiary of Meleap, established its Chinese headquarters in Hongkou district last year. The company has opened stores in regions such as the North Bund, organized teams, and held competitive events to enhance the global popularity of Hado. It has provided Chinese players with online and offline platforms for sports, competition, entertainment, and social interaction.

Covering an area of over 2,000 square meters, the Hado Arena features four courts and a competition arena with 300 seats, all meeting international standards. As a hub for global AR sports, Hado Arena will provide the public with opportunities to experience, train and compete in the increasingly popular industry.

Source: Shanghai Observer