Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah was warmly welcomed for an official visit by the FITEQ leadership on 17 November, with teqball’s debut at the Sanya Asian Beach Games next year a key topic of discussion.

FITEQ President Gabor Borsányi, Chairman Viktor Huszar and General Secretary Marius Vizer Jr met with the OCA President to discuss the promising development of teqball throughout Asia. Despite the challenges this year with COVID-19, the sport has continued to grow around the world and there are now 84 National Federations across all five continents. Asia remains at the forefront of the sport’s growth and the continent has the most National Federations.

After the meeting the FITEQ leadership said, “It is an honour to welcome OCA President Sheikh Ahmad to teqball’s home in Budapest and share with him the wonderful stories from the Asian teqball family. The journey so far has been very special, but it’s just the beginning. We are truly grateful for the support of Sheikh Ahmad, and the whole OCA, and together we are building something magical.”

In addition to giving an update of teqball’s ongoing growth in Asia, the FITEQ leadership was delighted to share with Sheikh Ahmad the recent progress teqball has made globally, notably FITEQ’s acceptance as a full member of the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) and WADA’s approval of FITEQ as an official Signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code. The preparations for teqball’s participation in two of the OCA’s major multisport events was also discussed in detail, with teqball set to feature as a medal event at the Sanya Asian Beach Games and as a demonstration sport at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG).

In order for these events to create a long-term legacy for teqball in Asia and empower the next generation of players and coaches, FITEQ created, and is in the process of implementing, an Asian Development Programme. From offering financial and infrastructural support, to leading training programmes for coaches and referees, FITEQ is aiming to inspire people all over Asia to lead a more healthy and active life through teqball.

FITEQ was officially recognised by the OCA at the continental governing body’s General Assembly in Jakarta in August 2018. Since then the strong relationship between the two organisations has enabled new players and fans join the teqball journey every day.