Story perspectives

Thailand’s Jutatip Kuntatong set for teqball debut gold

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 3:31 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Jutatip Kuntatong Debuts

Jutatip Kuntatong will represent Thailand as world champion in teqball at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
The sport makes its Asian Games debut on Saturday, its first appearance at the event.
She won singles and doubles at the December 2025 World Championship in Transylvania, securing the No. 1 ranking.
Coach Somsak “Joe” Duangmuang recruited sepak takraw players like Kuntatong for their leg-skill expertise.

Summary

Lee Quits Job

Lee Jun-seok quit his permanent production-line job to focus on teqball after Asian Games inclusion.
He funded a solo April trip to Hungary, learning European spin and header techniques.
South Korean players were barred from the national training center and practiced in outdoor lots.
After the final group win, Lee shouted “I’m unemployed right now,” underscoring financial insecurity.

Summary

Indian Teqball Duo Falls

India’s men’s doubles teqball pair lost both group matches on September 17, exiting early.
The pair, Declan Marshall Gonsalves and Mohamed Anas Imran Beg, entered as 2024 World Championship bronze medallists.
India’s teqball entry marks the nation’s first appearance in the sport at any Asian Games.
The contingent hopes its participation helps achieve a target of over 100 medals at the 2026 Games.

History

Historical Context

Teqball entered the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat in 2017, its first showcase at a continental multi-sport event. That year the International Teqball Federation launched the inaugural World Championships, which drew over 20 nations. Ongoing milestones, such as inclusion in the 2023 European Games, keep its Olympic ambition alive.

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Jutatip Kuntatong Debuts

Jutatip Kuntatong will represent Thailand as world champion in teqball at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
The sport makes its Asian Games debut on Saturday, its first appearance at the event.
She won singles and doubles at the December 2025 World Championship in Transylvania, securing the No. 1 ranking.
Coach Somsak “Joe” Duangmuang recruited sepak takraw players like Kuntatong for their leg-skill expertise.

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