Members of the teqball national team training in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. The Philippines will send two players in the World Series set on May 23 to 25, 2025 in Dezhou City, China. (Contributed photo)
Young Filipino teqball athletes Janelle Jane Ramos and Jade Andrei Ignacio are set to represent the Philippines in the Teqball World Series, happening from May 23 to 25 in Dezhou, China.
The 16-year-olds, both based in Laoag City, earned their spots after emerging as champions in national qualifying tournaments held in Tarlac City, Cainta (Rizal), and Laoag City, organized by the Philippine Teqball Federation (PITEQ). They will compete in the individual singles and mixed doubles events.
Their participation in the China tournament is part of their buildup for major upcoming competitions this year, including the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) in Saudi Arabia, and the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Bangkok, Thailand.
“This will be their first international tournament, but they’ve trained rigorously and are ready to give it their all,” said coach George Balanay on Monday. “With the continued support of PITEQ President Victor Yap, Secretary General Peter Paul Soliman, and Executive Director Jovy Mamawal, the future looks bright for Filipino teqball athletes on the global stage.”
Teqball, a fast-growing European sport, combines elements of soccer and sepak takraw, played on a curved table resembling a ping-pong setup. It has gained popularity for its high-energy, skillful rallies.
With backing from the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Philippines made its teqball debut at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games, where it was featured as a demonstration sport. PITEQ has since fielded athletes in international competitions, including events in Koh Samui, Thailand; Vietnam; and the World Championships in Bangkok.