Teqball at Asian Games 2026: How is it played, format, rules & schedule
Teqball is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
India’s campaign at the Asian Games 2026 will begin with teqball, which debuts as a medal event at the continental tournament. As the newest addition to the Asian Games programme, the sport has naturally sparked considerable curiosity and interest among fans.
Teqball, governed by the International Teqball Federation (FITEQ), received recognition from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in August 2018, followed by recognition from the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) in June 2019.
The sport debuted at the Asian Beach Games 2021 (played in 2026) and was part of the European Games 2023. One of the most dynamic sports in the Asian Games 2026 schedule, teqball will look to entertain viewers in its international debut at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
Based on the sport’s performance at the 20th Asian Games, it will seek inclusion in the Olympic programme.
History of Teqball
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Teqball was invented in Hungary in 2014, with the concept originating from former professional footballer Gabor Borsanyi. The first teqball table was developed that same year, while the sport was officially showcased to a wider audience in Budapest in October 2018 by Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho.
Teqball rules
The game combines football and table tennis. It is played with a No. 5-size football on a specialised curved table 3m long and 1.7m wide. It can be played by two players (singles) or four players (doubles).
Players can hit the ball with any part of their body except their arms or hands. However, a couple of major rules: players cannot touch or return the ball with the same body part twice consecutively.
Players get a limited number of chances to serve successfully, which increases the pressure on every serve. In singles, players must return the ball within a maximum of three touches.
Related: Who are India’s youngest & oldest athletes at Asian Games 2026?
In doubles, the entire team gets three touches, but the two teammates must pass to each other at least once. Players are prohibited from making contact with either the table or their opponents during play, ensuring the contest remains centred on skill, movement and ball control.
The match will be contested over a best-of-three format, with the first player to reach 12 points winning a set. The player or team that wins the best of three sets wins the match.
India’s Teqball contingent at Asian Games 2026
- Women’s singles: Quimcy Dsouza
- Men’s doubles: Mohammad Anas, Declan Gonsalves
- Mixed doubles: Mohammad Anas, Quimcy Dsouza
India’s Teqball schedule at Asian Games 2026
September 17, Thursday
- 12:30 PM: Men’s Doubles Qualification
Related: A look at India’s medal winners at Asian Games 2022
September 18, Friday
- 6:30 AM: Women’s Singles Qualification
- 9:00 AM: Mixed Doubles Qualification
September 19, Saturday
- 6:30 AM: Women’s Singles Semi-finals
September 20, Sunday
- 6:30 AM: All Finals
What is teqball and how is it played?
It is a mix of football and table tennis, played with a size‑5 football on a curved table. Players can use any body part except arms and hands.
When was teqball invented?
Teqball was invented in Hungary in 2014, with the concept originating from former professional footballer Gabor Borsanyi.
Who is included in India’s teqball team for the Asian Games 2026?
Quimcy Dsouza (women’s singles), Mohammad Anas & Declan Gonsalves (men’s doubles), and Anas with Dsouza in mixed doubles.
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