In less than two weeks, the world of Teqball will turn its eyes on Bangkok, where the World Teqball Championships 2023 will be held. The best of the best athletes will compete for the biggest title of the sport, and there will be some players, who are not even considered dark horses anymore, as they proved they can contend for a win wherever they go. This time, though, they do not have to go anywhere, the rest of the World will come to them and they will have the advantage of playing on home soil, in front of their fans.

Suphawadi Wongkhamchan and Phakpong Dejaroen appeared on the international scene last season, and since then they have been constantly rising. Wongkhamchan, along with Areeya Homdee made it to the quarterfinals in last year's World Teqball Championships in women’s doubles, but their journey was ended by eventual silver medallists Carolyn Greco and Margaret Osmundson. Dejaroen’s and his partner’s, Uthen Kukhaew’s path was kind of similar as they were stopped in the round of 16 by another finalist duo, Adam Blazsovics and Adam Bako. They have not made an appearance in singles and mixed doubles, but watch out for them in the latter category because their 2023 resumé speaks for itself.

Wongkhamchan and Dejaroen joined forces for the first time in March in Dubai, and they shocked the rest of the competition as nobody was able to stop them, winning their first gold medal in an international tournament. Not only the other teqers were caught by surprise, as Dejaroen said that even they did not expect a result like that.

Suphawadi Wongkhamchan and Phakpong Dejaroen after they won in Dubai.

The World was put on notice, and when the Teqball Tour returned to Asia in August, the elite players arrived better prepared for the stops in Qingdao, China and Koh Samui, Thailand.

The results? Two golds, two silvers and a 4th place in Qingdao and one gold, one silver, three bronzes and a 4th place in Koh Samui. More proof that the Thai units will be forced to be reckoned with.

They are not only effective and successful, but already capturing hearts with their unbelievable style of play, trademarked by spectacular bicycle kicks – moves that seem impossible to defend when orchestrated and executed perfectly. It comes from Sepak Takraw, a 500-year-old Malaysian sport that gives the ultimate foundation for players who make the transition to Teqball. Both Wongkhamchan and Dejaroen used to play it, and it is very easy to tell when you see them play Teqball.

“The basics of Sepak Takraw are similar to Teqball, because you have to control the ball so that it doesn't fall on the floor like in Sepak Takraw. Yes, it is a distinctive style of play. In my opinion, we should play sports that are strong and beautiful” - says Dejaroen, whose coach suggested he should try Teqball, and this is how they got familiar with the sport. Wongkhamchan also did boxing while his partner played football, reasons why their body control is off the charts.

They claim that Teqball is becoming more and more popular in Thailand, and the upcoming World Teqball Championship 2023 should be the oil on the fire and spark it even more. Obviously, for them, it means a lot to represent their country on the biggest stage and they have the chance to do it in a familiar environment. They feel special, happy, excited and proud to play to represent Thailand. Dejaroen is a true patriot, as he not only serves his country by winning medals, but he is also a Naval sergeant, while Wongkhamchan turned into a professional athlete.

The Thai duo against the other favourites, the Hungarians in Qingdao, China.

But does the combination of their recent success and being home players bring any pressure on them?

„I feel two things: pressure and motivation to play at home. The expectation is to do my best as much as possible” - describes Dejaroen. They will probably have their family members to support them from the stands, and many fans are expected to join them. Anyways, the buzz is already on in Bangkok:

„There were fans who came and asked where the competition would be held and how our team was doing” - says Dejaroen, who is an avid sports fan, following football, volleyball, boxing, car racing and Sepak Takraw.

Teqball is still looking for its first Asian World Champions, and Wongkhamchan and Dejaroen could be considered the favourites to achieve this sensational title. They have a decent shot to make history for not only themselves or for their country, but for the largest continent in the World, thus cementing a legacy that is going to be unparalleled and unrepeatable.