"The event's remarkable achievements and milestones garnered significant attention from both local and international media during the opening press conference, which took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Sports Authority of Thailand."
Dr. Konsak Yodmanee, Governor of Sports Authority of Thailand opened the event and welcomed all the guests, workers, officials, committee members, coaches, athletes and media members. He emphasized the fact that Teqball is a sport that has great potential for Thai people because it is a sport that applies the basics of table tennis, football and Sepak Takraw.
"This is a good opportunity to promote and let Thai people know more about this sport. It will also inspire Thai youth to become more interested and want to play this sport. And most importantly, this competition has former world-class football players. "Ronaldinho" who is a football ambassador comes to watch the competition and meet with Thai football fans to add color to the event this time as well." - said the Governor and also guaranteed the full support of his office for the tournament.
In his opinion, Teqball as a sport has a bright future and he is sure that some day it will be included in the Olympic schedule, because it belongs there and would draw attention to the Games. He will do everything he can to help this case.
Following him, Gabor Borsanyi, President of FITEQ, extended his gratitude to the Thai government for their generous support and warm hospitality. He emphasized the significance of the event, with a total prize pool of $250,000, and expressed his delight that the World Championships were making their debut in Asia.
"We know that the sport is an amazing mutual language between the people and nations.
So the most important thing is that the players, guests, spectators and everybody who believes in the sport's positive energy enjoy the few international Teqball days!" - added the president who closed his speech in Thai language.
General Ronachai Manchusunthornkul, President of the Thailand Teqball Association shared some information about the upcoming tournament and ensured everybody that both venues (Hua Mak Stadium and Bangkok Arena) and invited fellow Thais to join the event.
"It is expected that there will be thousands of officials, entourages and spectators throughout the five days of the competition. Therefore, we would like to invite our Thai brothers and sisters who like and love cheering for sports in Bangkok and nearby areas to participate in this World Championship in Thailand. Close to the edge of the field, free of charge, including coming together to cheer on Thai athletes to conquer international competitors from as many as 59 countries to win gold medals for as many Thais as possible" President of the Thailand Teqball Association said.
After the general's speech, the eyes turned to the screen where the official result of the draw was presented. This can be found on FITEQ's website, www.fiteq.org. The players welcomed the results with a storm of clapis and everybody was excited to take the field and take on the challenge on Wednesday.
They are the stars of the event, and they were represented by current singles world champion Carolyn Greco from the USA and fan favorite Phakpong Dejaroen, multiple Teqball Tour winner from Thailand.
Greco claimed that she prepared hard for this World Championship in order to repeat and defend her title. She added that she would also like to win a medal in women's doubles.
Dejaroen told the media representatives that they are very proud and it is an honor for them to be here and they will do their best. For him, the goal is to win two medals, hopefully two golds in men's doubles and mixed doubles.
