Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) announced on Thursday that President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) will not attend the opening ceremony of the 2025 Taipei World Masters Games, scheduled on Saturday. The Presidential Office has informed the organizers that Lai will instead send a congratulatory message for the event. The Taipei Government’s Department of Sports noted that the Cabinet is still confirming Premier Cho Jung-tai's (卓榮泰) attendance.
The World Masters Games opening ceremony will be held at the Taipei Dome on May 17. Media reports have highlighted that President Lai's absence would make him the first Taiwanese president to miss a major international sporting event hosted by the country.
The event has faced controversy over "gift packages" provided to athletes, particularly smart watches that have reportedly malfunctioned. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taipei City Councilor Lin Yen-feng (林延鳳) raised concerns about the watches' origins, noting that despite specifications prohibiting Chinese-made products, the manufacturing companies appeared suspicious, with one registered in Malaysia but untraceable, and another listing Hong Kong as its location while its website indicate it is headquartered in Shenzhen headquarters.
Mayor Chiang stated that an investigation is underway regarding the smart watches, promising to require detailed information from suppliers. He added that if the products are found to be Chinese-made with false labeling, violating contract terms, legal responsibility would be pursued according to the law.