INSIDE TEQBALL- STORIES FROM THE TEQBALL WORLD

Three-time teqball World Champion Ádám Blázsovics is the most successful player in the sport’s history. After becoming the first-ever teqball singles World Champion in 2017, his career has gone from strength to strength. He was dominant in the 2019 Teqball World Championships singles competition, and managed to reverse the result of the 2018 doubles final to secure his first doubles world title with partner Csaba Bányik against the reigning champions from Montenegro. Blázsovics studied to be a PE teacher at the University of Physical Education in Budapest and has a passion for helping develop athletes of the future. As well as being the star professional player at the Phoenix Teqball Academy, he also coaches the stars of the next generation. In this interview, Blázsovics gives a unique insight into his teqball journey and his future vision for the sport.

Do you remember the first time you experience the curved table? What were your first impressions and feelings about it?

My first experience with the curved table was at the University of Physical Education, where I participated in a couple of competitions. I had no experience, so I went out to a local concrete table to practice and get to know the rules of teqball. When I played, it wasn’t easy for me, because the ball didn’t bounce as I thought it would. Although my first tournament didn’t go well, the diversity of the game was very catchy and I thought I could get more out of it.

Can you explain more about your personal story, where you come from and how teqball has shaped or changed your life?

For a long time, I started to play football, although I knew I would never be a professional player. Learning has always been the first priority for me. When a Teq table arrived at the university, I didn’t think it would change my life that much. However, with the help of Dr. János Tóth, we established a department and I started to take teqball more seriously. I made workout plans and I played and trained in my free time. I began to feel like I was addicted to this beautiful sport.

When did you first meet Csaba Bányik, your doubles partner? How did the legendary team form?

The first time I met with Csaba was during a football training camp at the university, where we were playing for the same team. I was able to play with him as a striker in such harmony that we scored many goals without problems. We introduced ourselves to one another after the match and then we were in a group during our studies. When the Teq table arrived, I told him to come up to play with me and we have been a doubles team since 2015. Nothing has come easy and we have had to build ourselves out of nothing.

Without a shadow of a doubt, you are the most successful teqball player in history being a three-time World Champion. Looking back on your career so far, what have been the key moments in your evolution as a player?

Winning the 2017 Teqball World Championships singles title was the decisive moment when I really decided to choose this path. Until that day, I had never won a tournament and always seemed to finish in second place. On this day, I overcame those who had beaten me earlier in my career. It made me very happy to realise that ‘Yes, I have done it, I have won the World Championships. However, I was very disappointed that we didn’t qualify in doubles. But I was motivated to develop further and actually we did it next year.

You have been representing Phoenix Academy, the first professional teqball club in Hungary, for almost a year now. What impact has the club had on your development?

Phoenix Teqball Academy has contributed greatly to my development and I can thank the club for helping me win two golds at the 2019 Teqball World Championships. The opportunity has been exceptional, not least because we have had more time to train and do so with better equipment. As a result, we could beat Montenegro in last year’s final! The club is also trying to improve younger players who can one day follow in our footsteps. 

What do you think about the evolution of the game itself and the improvement of the other players and teams?

I think the elite side of the sport is starting to develop, especially in Europe, and several countries can now compete with the best. Romania, France, Poland, Serbia, Czech Republic and Brazil have really developed since the first World Championships. Today, more and more federations and clubs are being formed in Hungary and all over the world. I am sure that in two or three years, nobody will have an easy task to win at world-level events. I am also sure that this sport will expand enormously in Asia too. 

Singles or doubles? Which one would you choose and what are your reasons?

My favourite is singles, because it is when I first became World Champion at the World Championships in 2017. It’s a much bigger challenge for me. More tiring, more dynamic. You’re alone, so you can’t blame anyone else if you make a mistake. You can only count on yourself and this makes the game even more exciting for me. In doubles, the most difficult thing is the tactics and the most important thing is the harmony between you and your teammate. That’s why I suggest everyone to find a partner at the beginning of their career, no matter how inexperienced he/she is. The point is to grow together. This is the key to being a World Champion like the team from Montenegro and also like with Csaba and I.

Why do you think teqball is addictive and a promising sport for the younger generation? Moreover, what advice would you give to this generation?

I think teqball is a great opportunity for young people. Teqball is not a contact sport, so you don’t have to worry about injuries due to rough collisions. Of course, this spectacular game has its price, but you can prepare for that. Perseverance is extremely important in this sport, as in the beginning you may often fail, but it is important not to give up. After a while you can start to master the technique and from there you can become a champion.

Your club, Phoenix Teqball Academy, has numerous players in all age groups as well as a strong emphasis on gender equality. What position do you have besides being a professional player?

I also work as a coach. Players of all ages can be found at the academy, and I have to say, the atmosphere is really great. Everyone is enthusiastic, athletes want to develop and compete. My job is to help them with that. I share my experiences with them, tell them how I started and help them to find their own way and their own technique. In many ways this makes it easier for them, because they are able to walk a beaten path. I hope the work we do at the academy pays off and one of the players will become a future World Champion.

You have won numerous titles in teqball already. What are the most memorable moments of your teqlife?

The 2019 Teqball World Championships was the most memorable for me. Not just because I was able to win both categories, the singles and the doubles, but also because I knew that all Hungarians were supporting me. Most importantly, my parents, grandparents and friends were also there, in Budapest, with me. It was a feeling that could not be described with words.

During practice, are there any special exercises you apply to make the game more difficult? Do you have any personal routines or methods during your training?

Of course, we have a lot of good practice drills that help us develop our skills. We pay particular attention to the development of both of our legs, as this is going to become more and more essential as the sport develops. Our training plan is consistent, but sometimes we include one or two new exercises. This is how we always try to be the best and stay at the top of the teqball world.

Do you have any kind of superstition, special routines while playing?

Yes, I have. I usually wear a compression sock on my right leg during bigger tournaments. I have several of these, and I always wear those which match with my jersey.

How has the spread of COVID-19 and the pandemic situation changed your everyday sporting life?

Unfortunately, I had to travel to Sümeg, my hometown, for a month because we could not train. I’m lucky because the local elementary school let me use their Teq table so I was able to practice in the garden with the help of my siblings. Actually, I never felt like I got out of my normal routine, so I could continue from where I left off with my training.

We can say that 2019 was a very successful year for you, what is your goal for 2020 in teqball?

I would like to defend my world title at the next World Championship in at least one category. I’d like to stay at the top of the world rankings both in doubles and singles. To achieve these goals, I have to perform well in all competitions. 

Thank you for the interview and good luck with all your endeavours with teqball!