The 2026 Asian Games began on September 19th with a colorful opening ceremony in Itinago, which took place at noon Indian time. However, few people know what could bring India its first medal at these Games—it is the sport called Teqball.
India has a chance to win two medals in this sport on Sunday, September 20th. In the women's singles event, athlete Kimsi Disuza started her tournament with a big surprise, defeating a Japanese player ranked 7th in the world and local athlete Uina Sakamoto.
Kimsi lost the first set 10-12 but then brilliantly fought back, winning the second set 12-11 and the third set 13-11. Thus, the Indian athlete achieved a significant victory over Sakamoto in a match that lasted 43 minutes, with a score of 2-1.
In the second match, Kimsi faced Komian Dy from Cambodia, and this time the Indian athlete handled the task much more easily. Kimsi maintained control in both sets, winning the match 2-0 (12-9, 12-7). This match only lasted 24 minutes. After two victories, Kimsi secured first place in her group and advanced to the semi-finals.
After two wins in the group stage, Kimsi met Sumaya from Indonesia in the semi-finals. The Indian athlete started the match confidently, winning the first set 12-7. However, Sumaya managed to come back into the game and won the next two sets with scores of 12-9 and 12-7. As a result, Kimsi lost with a score of 1-2. She now has to participate in the bronze medal match in the women's singles event on Sunday.
Another opportunity for Kimsi to win a medal exists in the mixed doubles event. In the quarter-finals, her pair with Mohammed Anas Imran Beg lost to a Vietnamese team consisting of Giang Nghi Trinh and Hoang Minh Thang Nguyen, with a score of 0-2. The Vietnamese pair won the first set 12-7 and the second set 12-10.
After this, the Indian pair managed to bounce back in the repechage round. Kimsi and Anas defeated the Philippine pair consisting of Apolencia Joan and Prince Agustin, with a score of 2-0. The Indian pair won the first set 12-3 and the second set 12-6, thus qualifying for the bronze medal match.
Thus, Kimsi now has two chances to win a historic medal for India in Teqball at the Asian Games: in the women's singles event and in the mixed doubles event.
Kimsi's achievements are particularly important because Teqball is included in the program of the 2026 Asian Games in Itinago for the first time. This sport originated in Hungary. Although the name and format may seem new, Teqball is easiest to understand as a game combining elements of football and table tennis.
A special curved table is used in Teqball. Although it may resemble a table tennis table, rackets or balls are not used in the game. The main feature is that the player cannot touch the ball with their hands. To return the ball, one must use the feet, knees, hips, chest, and head, making football skills extremely important.
The curved surface of the table changes the direction and trajectory of the ball. This requires players to have excellent control, timing, reaction, and accuracy. This is why, although the game may look simple, returning the ball at the correct angle and at the right time presents a serious challenge for the players.
Teqball is held in both singles and doubles formats. The player's goal is to send the ball to the opponent's side of the table in such a way that they cannot return it according to the rules. The player can touch the ball no more than three times before returning it. There are also rules regarding using the same body part consecutively.
Usually, one game consists of 12 points, and the series is played in a 'best of three' format. In doubles, the game becomes even more exciting because both players must take turns using their touches. In this case, individual skills, as well as team timing and strategy, become extremely important.
There are five main disciplines in Teqball: men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles.
For Kimsi, the Asian Games were not limited to the women's singles event. She also participated in the mixed doubles event with Mohammed Anas Imran Beg. This Indian pair started their journey with a victory over the Philippine pair consisting of Joan Apolencia and Prince Agustin. One victory could make Teqball the sport that brings India its first medal at the 2026 Itinago Asian Games.
