The world is curved. This is how the saying goes to promote yourself in this sport that mixes table tennis and soccer. Two players pass the ball to each other by bouncing it off a curved table without hitting the ground. It can also be played in pairs combining positions closer or further from the table and increasing the spectacularity of the shots: the harder the ball is hit, with any part of the body except the arms and hands, the farther it is and the harder it is to return it to the table.
From Hungary to the world
As explained by FInternational Teqball Federationthis sport was created eleven years ago when Hungary and based on the development of technical skills, concentration and resistance of the players. It follows a point-based format and can be played on a variety of surfaces such as sand, acrylic, or indoors. It only allows the players a maximum of three touches before returning the ball to the opponent, it is played in three sets and the set will be taken at twelve points with a difference of two wins.
Fans have grown thanks to soccer: who else has less contact with their friends and it is estimated that there are more than 5,000 players in the world from 100 different countries in 141 recognized federations and more than 2,000 clubs. The skill depends on the fact that it is forbidden to touch the ball with the same part of the body twice in a row and return it to the same part of the body twice in a row.
The space around the curved table is 16×12 meters and the service line is two meters from the table, allowing players to cross the dividing line of the net to return the ball to their partner if it is played two against two but not to make the final touch.
looking to be olympians
4 world championships were organized (2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021) and at the end of June it was included in Krakow-Malopolska European Games such as the first European championships. These European Games served to promote this sport and make it closer to the public. Its leaders wanted it to be Olympic and maintained some contact with IOC to enter the program. The Hungarians dominated the men’s classification and we saw the first Spaniard in 86th place (Aitor Vives Yera of Atlético Teqball BCN) while among women, Silvia Ferrer Garciafrom the same club, is located in the 18th position.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
