The highly anticipated Liga Teqball Malaysia (LTM) 2023 officially commenced yesterday at KL Gateway Mall Central Piazza, with eight teams across the nation charged up to compete over the weekend as they vie to be crowned the first-ever LTM champion and seize the RM26,600 prize money.
The stakes are high with LTM 2023 also doubling as the qualifying tournament to determine the national team that will proudly represent Malaysia at the World Teqball Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, from 29 November to 3 December 2023.
LTM 2023 was graced by the presence of DYTM Tuanku Raja Muda Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalulail, further elevating its prestige. Set to be an action-packed tournament, each team consisting of four to eight players will compete in a highly charged round-robin format. They will face each other in three categories, namely men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.
Malaysia Teqball Association (MTA) President KJ Siva shared his excitement, stating, “Liga Teqball Malaysia is proof that despite Teqball being a relatively new sport, its popularity is increasing rapidly in our country. This historic tournament represents our commitment to promote the wonderful game of Teqball in Malaysia as we gather at the league championship to witness our players’ skill and dedication on full display.”
Director of Sports Promotion and Development Branch of the National Youth and Sports Department Sabran Abd Bahar said, “Liga Teqball Malaysia is not just a sporting event but a platform to nurture talent and encourage active participation in sports. The Ministry of Youth and Sports is proud to support this initiative, and we look forward to witnessing the remarkable talent our nation has to offer. We wish our participants good luck and want them to know that we are always there for them on their Teqball journey.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the International Federation of Teqball (FITEQ) Viktor Huszar shared his congratulatory words from across the globe, saying, “I would like to say with all my heart a huge thank you for all the hard work in building Teqball in this beautiful and wonderful country. I’m confident that the Malaysian Teqball Association is going to be a leading example not just in the region, but all over the world.
“Building a new sport is pioneering work, it is a challenge but at the same time it is the creation of history. One day you can all be proud that you were at the very beginning of this journey. At FITEQ, we acknowledge the hard work and congratulate you for all that you have done for the sport,” he said.
Originating from Hungary, Teqball was introduced in 2012 where it combines elements of football, sepak takraw, and table tennis. Teqers showcase their skills by hitting a football back and forth on a curved table known as a TEQ™ table, utilising any part of their body except their arms and hands. This fast-growing sport is suitable for both professional and amateur footballers seeking to develop their technical skills, concentration, and stamina.
