29 Jul 2025

FITEQ’s Training Camp in the Philippines with over 100 youngsters

Teqball development surges in the region with support from Hungarian experts and local leadership

From 18 to 26 July 2025, Tarlac City hosted a vibrant and impactful Teqball training camp at the KAISA Convention Hall, bringing together over 100 athletes aged between 12 and 24, alongside more than 20 referees and coaches. Organised under the framework of FITEQ’s global development initiative with the help of the Embassy of Hungary in Manila, the event marked a major milestone in introducing and nurturing Teqball in the Philippines.

The training camp featured intensive technical sessions for both youth players (ages 12–17) and adults (ages 18–24), along with official referee certification courses. As a result, over 20 referees successfully passed their C and B-level exams, equipping them with credentials to officiate at future competitions across the country and beyond.

The event was led by coach Milan Szabo of Hungary, a seasoned FITEQ expert who previously supported the growth of Teqball in countries such as Sri Lanka, Montenegro, Jordan and most recently in Vietnam. Reflecting on the experience, Szabo expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception and organisational efforts from local stakeholders: “I truly appreciate the support from the Philippine Teqball officials and President Victor Yap. Most of the Teqball athletes here were very young but already showed decent skills. I’m confident we’ll see many of them in international competitions representing your country.”

The training camp is also part of a larger effort to prepare the next generation of Teqball players and officials for two of the sport’s most important upcoming events: the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain and the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand. These competitions serve not only as key goals for the athletes but also as vital opportunities for the Philippines and the wider region to develop and showcase their progress in Teqball on the international stage.

The event culminated in spirited matches, including mixed doubles and singles competitions. One standout athlete, Klyde Vincent Polca (24), shared his journey during the event:
“I was lucky to recover my form to win the mixed doubles because I lost in the men's singles and doubles categories. My partner Precious made many crucial returns, and for that I'm so grateful.”

Local government leaders were also present and supportive. Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap warmly welcomed the new sport and its potential benefits to the youth:
“Thank you to coach Szabo from Hungary. I am grateful for introducing the new sport of Teqball here in Tarlac, especially for the youth, as it can help steer them away from vices. I hope this sport grows in popularity, not only in Tarlac but across the entire Philippines.”

Both FITEQ representatives and Philippine Teqball organisers agreed the training camp was a resounding success, not only for the sporting achievements but also for the foundation it laid for future cooperation and growth. The program was made possible with the financial support of the Sports Diplomacy Department of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

With its expanding presence in Southeast Asia, Teqball continues to build bridges across cultures, empower young athletes, and provide a fresh, dynamic outlet for sporting excellence.