The home of teqball is set to welcome teqball and para teqball athletes for a combined event on 16 October, marking the International Teqball Federation’s (FITEQ) latest effort to promote the inclusivity of the sport.

Eight para teqball players are registered to compete in the event at the Teq Arena, located at the FITEQ headquarters in Budapest. There will be a men’s teqball doubles competition, as well as two para singles classes. There will also be two inclusive doubles classes, featuring teams made up of one teqball and one para teqball player.

FITEQ officially launched para teqball in March 2021, with the publication of the Official Rules and Regulations of Para Teqball and the Para Teqball Classification Regulations. The creation of the Para Teqball Classification Regulations, which was undertaken by international experts in alignment with the International Paralympic Committee, has provided a structured framework for the sport and determines which athletes are eligible to compete in elite level events, such as the Budapest Cup, which will be organised together with the 1. Budapesti SE.

In singles and doubles, there are two para teqball classes: Para Teqball Sport Class 1 (PTBSC 1), which is for athletes permanently requiring the use of crutches, and Para Teqball Sport Class 2 (PTBSC 2), which is for athletes with a prosthesis. There are two inclusive doubles classes, one which features a PTBSC 1 player and a teqball player, and one that consists of a PTBSC 2 player and a teqball player.

Ahead of the event, FITEQ President Gábor Borsányi said, “Since the launch of para teqball, FITEQ has been supporting its National Federations develop the world’s newest parasport in their respective countries. We have seen excellent progress in a short space of time and our first combined event in Budapest next week is another major milestone on our journey. We truly believe that sport is for all, and through para teqball we want to show the world that all athletes can compete and enjoy our sport together.”