Last weekend—more specifically, November 16–17, 2023—the time had finally come: The Euro Teqball Youth Cup in Senec (Slovakia) was about to begin. It was a U19 tournament I’d been preparing for for weeks. As soon as I arrived, I could feel the excitement in the air—a mix of nervousness and anticipation.
For me, Teqball is more than just a game; it’s a passion that drives me every day. When I walked into the gym where the tournament was being held at 10:00 a.m., I was immediately swept up by the energy and enthusiasm of the other players and spectators.
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First Challenges: The Group Stage at the 2023 Euro Teqball Youth Cup
Surrounded by Europe's best young talents, I stood in the arena of the, filled with respect Senec NTC. My first step onto the tournament floor was a step into uncharted territory. In the group stage, I faced the Portuguese player Joao Cavalheiro.
Although my coaches had inquired about the player and his skill level beforehand, we didn’t know exactly how strong he really was in singles. The match was therefore more than just a game—it was a battle of tactics and precision. With composure, powerful serves, and skillful rallies, I defeated Joao in two sets, 12–3 and 12–9, and felt my confidence grow.
A Moment of Truth: The Decisive Encounter with Marek Pokwap
But not all of the matches were won. My second Group Play I played against Marek Pokwap from Poland. He is 17 years old and has been playing Teqball for 4 years. He is therefore an experienced player and is ranked No. 18 in the men's world rankings. He proved to be a tough opponent.
Despite taking the lead at one point in the second set, I had to concede to his superiority. The match ended 3–12 in the first set and 9–12 in the second. But this loss wasn’t the end—it was an important lesson. It showed me that I can keep up with the world’s best if I stay focused.
One step closer to the goal: meeting Frenchman Bandiougou Diawara
Then I faced Bandiougou Diawara from France. The match was for second place in the group stage and, with it, a spot in the quarterfinals.
With a mix of nervousness and determination, I stepped up to the table and let my skills do the talking. I played it safe and took few risks, which allowed me to win again in two sets, 12–7 and 12–10. I was overjoyed because I had achieved my goal of advancing to the quarterfinals—my greatest international success to date. After the match, I also realized that I had already faced the French coach, Samir Fadeli, at the European Teqball Tour in Madrid 2023 had played in doubles.
A nail-biter against Matej Kubovy in the quarterfinals
In the quarterfinals, I faced Matej Kubovy of the Czech Republic, the world No. 16. At 190 cm, 18-year-old Matej was a giant on the court. But I didn't let him intimidate me, not even his "antics," which he kept pulling, the Fair Play It looked different. He narrowly won the first set, but in the second I fought for every point. Despite a strong start and an early lead, I lost the set—and with it, the match. Matej called a timeout at just the right moment and was able to turn the match around. He ended up winning both sets 8–12 and 8–12 and finished third in the tournament.
Nevertheless, it was my fifth place at this prestigious tournament My greatest international triumph to date. It was proof of my skill and my unshakable determination. This tournament was more than just a competition; it was a revelation of my potential and my passion for Teqball.
In the Shadow of Triumph: The Silent Companions of My Teqball Successes
I’d like to thank my two coaches, Anton Kiss and Roland Hamm, as well as my training partners Ivan Grom and Georg “Schurli” Haider Jr., who believed in me and supported me. Schurli and my coaches, in particular, trained with me early in the morning at 5:30 a.m. leading up to the tournament. Thanks also to the middle school and the community for allowing me to train at such an early hour. Of course, my thanks also go to PODO Beach, who provided us with jerseys and the Teqball Training Arena in Podersdorf am See support. And, of course, I'd also like to thank my club, the laketownRIDERS. This success is their success, too.
The future is full of possibilities. I'm ready to keep training hard, improve, and push myself to my limits. The 2023 Euro Teqball Youth Cup That was just the beginning of my journey, and I'm excited to see where my path as a Teqball player will take me next.
Summary of the U19 Tournament in Senec
After some intense and exciting days at the 2023 Euro Teqball Youth Cup in Senec, I look back on these experiences with pride and gratitude. One of the highlights of this tournament was undoubtedly the opportunity to meet extraordinary people and players from different parts of Europe.
These encounters have not only broadened my horizons, but have also led to lasting friendships that extend beyond the boundaries of the playing field.
Overall, the organization of the tournament was impressive. It was fascinating to see how smoothly and efficiently everything ran, which created a pleasant and competitive atmosphere for everyone involved. Nevertheless, there were a few minor issues that could be improved upon in future tournaments. The venue was a bit cramped, which led to a shortage of warm-up areas. Unfortunately, there were no Teqball tables available for warming up. This limitation was particularly noticeable, as it made it difficult for us players to prepare optimally for the upcoming matches.
Another issue was the size of the playing fields during the group stage. They were a bit too narrow—not even 12 meters wide. For players like me, this limited our ability to effectively reach every ball, which in turn affected our style of play. Details like these can be crucial, especially in a sport where ball control and technique are so important.
Another factor to consider was the temperature in the gym. On the second day of the tournament, it was quite cold, which affected not only the playing experience but also performance on the court. A heated venue or scheduling the event during a warmer season would certainly be a welcome improvement for future events.
Despite these minor setbacks, the tournament was an incredibly enriching experience. It showed me that with more training and dedication, a spot among the top 4 in future U19 tournaments is definitely within reach. This tournament was not only another milestone in my Teqball career, but also a valuable learning experience that will help me grow and develop as I continue on my journey.
The awards ceremony—an unforgettable finale
The awards ceremony for the 2023 Euro Teqball Youth Cup was a memorable event, made even more special by the presence of the Slovak and European (Ceteq) Teqball presidents, as well as Slovak soccer icon Marek Hamšík, who played for SSC Napoli for over 10 years. His presence underscored the close connection between Teqball and soccer and added extra luster to the event.
As the winners accepted their trophies, a sense of pride and recognition for the achievements of all participants was palpable. This moment was not only a celebration of the winners, but also a sign of appreciation for the hard work and dedication of every single player. The presence of such a well-known sports figure as Hamšík underscored the growing importance and popularity of Teqball. Ultimately, the awards ceremony served as a powerful incentive for me to continue working hard and pursuing my goals in Teqball.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Slovak and European Teqball Federations for inviting us to the tournament and for the excellent organization. We’d love to come back and look forward to seeing this tournament format continue in 2014.
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