Teqball is set to make its official debut as a medal sport at the 2026 Asian Games, which commence on September 19 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The sport, which blends elements of football, table tennis, and freestyle skills, is one of six new disciplines introduced for this edition of the continental games. The International Teqball Federation (FITEQ), based in Budapest, governs the sport, which has grown to include 124 affiliated national federations since its invention in 2014.
India has confirmed its participation in the event, naming a three-member squad to represent the nation. The team includes Anas Baig, Declan Gonsalves, and Quimcy Dsouza, who are scheduled to compete between September 17 and 20. The inclusion of teqball in the Asian Games marks a significant milestone for the sport, which was officially presented to the global stage in 2016 by Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho.
Origins and Evolution of the Sport
The creation of teqball is attributed to three football enthusiasts: former professional player Gabor Borsanyi, political entrepreneur Gyorgy Gattyan, and computer scientist Viktor Huszar. The concept emerged from Borsanyi's desire to find a more engaging way to practice football skills, initially experimenting with a standard table tennis table. He quickly realized that the flat, horizontal surface of a traditional table made it difficult for the ball to bounce effectively toward the players.
To solve this, the inventors developed a curved, arched table surface that ensures the ball consistently bounces toward the player's feet. This design innovation allows for a unique gameplay experience that requires high levels of technical skill and agility. Since its formal introduction in 2016, the sport has gained traction globally, leading to its current status as a recognized competitive discipline in major multi-sport events like the Asian Games.
Rules and Gameplay Mechanics
Teqball is played using a standard size 5 football, with matches conducted in either singles or doubles formats. A match consists of a best-of-three sets, with each set played until a team reaches 12 points. The game emphasizes ball control, as players are prohibited from using their hands or arms. Each side is allowed a maximum of three touches to return the ball, and in doubles matches, teammates must pass the ball to each other at least once.
Service rules are designed to maintain a fast pace, with each player or team granted two attempts to complete a successful serve. Service changes occur every four points. Fouls are called if a player touches the table or uses their hands, and a point is awarded to the opponent if they fail to return the ball legally or hit it out of bounds. The sport is noted for being visually spectacular, requiring players to utilize almost every part of their body to maintain control.
India's Competitive Prospects
The Indian contingent for the 2026 Asian Games brings significant experience to the table. Anas Baig and Declan Gonsalves, who will pair up for the men's doubles event, previously secured a bronze medal at the 2024 World Teqball Championships held in Vietnam. Their performance on the international stage provides a strong foundation for India's debut in this discipline at the continental level.
Quimcy Dsouza will represent India in the women's singles category and will also partner with Anas Baig for the mixed doubles event. While the specific match fixtures for the Indian team are yet to be finalized, the trio is expected to be in action during the early stages of the competition. Their participation reflects the growing interest in teqball within India and the country's commitment to diversifying its presence across new sporting disciplines.
Broader Context of the 2026 Asian Games
The 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya will feature a total of 469 medal events across 43 sporting disciplines. This represents a reduction of 12 disciplines compared to the previous edition held in Hangzhou in 2022. Alongside teqball, the games will introduce five other new sports: Freestyle BMX, mixed martial arts, padel, surfing, and virtual taekwondo.
This shift in the sporting program reflects the organizers' efforts to modernize the Asian Games and appeal to a broader, younger audience. By including disciplines that combine traditional athletic skills with modern technology and urban sports, the Asian Games aim to maintain their relevance in the global sporting landscape. The debut of these sports is expected to draw significant attention from fans and media alike, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents in emerging fields.
Next Steps and Tournament Schedule
The teqball competition at the Asian Games is scheduled to take place from September 17 to September 20, 2026, ahead of the official opening of the continental showpiece. The Indian squad is currently finalizing their preparations for the event. Fans and stakeholders are awaiting the release of the official match fixtures, which will determine the path for the Indian athletes as they compete for the inaugural medals in this discipline.
