Just a few years ago, Marek Pokwap was a young boy in Warsaw, juggling football practice with schoolwork and playing sports with friends. Today, he stands among the world’s top Teqball players, ready to take on one of his greatest challenges yet—the World Teqball Championships 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City. Marek’s transformation from a small, unassuming child to a Teqball prodigy is a story of perseverance, adaptability, and a passion for excellence.

Marek grew up in Warsaw as the second of six siblings in a family deeply rooted in faith and music. His father, a church pianist, and his mother, a singer, ensured a creative and supportive household. “Music was a big part of our upbringing,” Marek explains. “We all went to elementary music school, but sports were my real passion.”

Football was Marek’s first love. His mother introduced him to the game at a young age, and he quickly fell in love with the sport. “I started football when I was about five or six years old,” he recalls. “My mum took me to my first training session, and that’s how it all started. By eight, I was training three times a week, and as I grew older, it increased to five or six sessions weekly.”

Marek’s talent earned him a spot at the prestigious FC Barcelona Academy in Warsaw. “It wasn’t just football skills that I learned there,” he reflects. “The Academy taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to build character both on and off the pitch.” Despite his technical abilities, Marek’s slight build posed challenges as he competed against stronger, taller players.

At 13, Marek stumbled upon Teqball, a sport that would change his life. “I saw a video on Facebook about a Teqball event in Warsaw and decided to give it a try. To my surprise, I finished third in my first tournament,” he says. “It felt like the sport was made for me. In football, my physical size was a disadvantage, but in Teqball, skill and technique mattered more.”

Encouraged by his early success, Marek trained wherever he could, often with his mother tossing him the ball. “I didn’t have a table at first, so I practised on borrowed ones and reached out to the domestic Teqball federation for opportunities to compete,” he shares. His dedication paid off when he reached the final of the Polish Teqball Championships at just 15, playing against seasoned professionals and holding his own.

Marek’s rapid improvement led his mother to co-found the TEQnical Warsaw Academy with his doubles partner, Konrad Nowicki. The club became a hub for aspiring players, and Marek’s mother took on a leadership role to support its growth. However, it was his partnership with Hungarian champion Szabolcs Ilyés that propelled Marek to the next level.

“Szabi contacted me in 2022, but I wasn’t ready to train abroad,” Marek admits. “This year, he invited me to play in Vietnam, and we formed a strong partnership. Competing against top teams and training with Szabi and his team has been transformative.”

While football gave Marek his foundational skills, Teqball demanded a different level of precision and mental agility. “Teqball is faster and more strategic,” he explains. “It’s not just about controlling the ball but also making quick decisions. The individual nature of the sport means you can’t rely on a team—you have to adapt and overcome challenges on your own.”

Marek credits Teqball for sharpening his technique and mental toughness. “Playing against world-class players like Apor Györgyeák has pushed me to improve. My defence, decision-making, and left-footed shots have all gotten better,” he says.

The World Teqball Championships 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City mark a pivotal moment in Marek’s career. His goal? To bring home his first World Championship medal both in men's doubles with Adrian Duszak, the current title holder in men's singles and with Alicja Bartnicka in mixed doubles. They showed their potential and became European bronze medallists and 4th at WTCH23. “I’ve been training intensively, both physically and mentally,” he says. “Working with a mental coach has been a game-changer. It’s helped me stay focused and confident.”

Marek’s preparation includes daily practices, strategic planning, and even pilates sessions to enhance flexibility and balance. “I enjoy mental training and pilates, but fitness sessions can be tough,” he admits. “Still, I know every part of the process is essential to becoming the best.”

Marek’s journey from a football-loving child to a Teqball prodigy reflects his dedication and work ethic. “I’m always looking for ways to improve, even on rest days,” he says. “Practising with top players like Apor and Szabi has shown me that there’s always more to learn.”

Despite his rapid ascent, Marek remains humble and focused. “Success is about hard work and passion. I don’t just want to win medals—I want to grow as a player and inspire others to pursue their dreams.”

Looking ahead, Marek hopes to cement his status as one of the sport’s greats. “In five years, I want to be competing regularly in finals and still loving the game,” he says. “Being a professional Teqball player is my dream, and I’m committed to making it a reality.”

As Marek steps onto the world stage in Ho Chi Minh City, his journey from Warsaw’s football fields to Teqball arenas worldwide serves as a testament to his resilience and passion. With a medal in sight and a future full of possibilities, Marek is poised to make his mark in the history of Teqball.

The World Teqball Championships 2024 starts on the 4th of December. The finals are on the 7th & 8th.