Exclusives
How Declan and Anas are writing the Indian Teqball script
With little support, the duo won India’s first-ever medal at the Teqball World Championships.
In a country where groundbreaking achievements in emerging sports often fly under the radar, the story of Declan Gonsalves and Anas Baig is one of passion, persistence, and grit.
These two athletes made history by securing India’s first-ever medal at the Teqball World Championships in December, a bronze in men’s doubles.
Yet their remarkable feat remains largely unacknowledged by authorities.
Their success at the 2024 Teqball World Championships in Vietnam highlights both the potential of Indian athletes and the challenges they face in niche sports.
Teqball, a sport that fuses football and table tennis, is played on a curved table where players use any part of their body except their hands and arms to outmanoeuvre opponents.
Governed by the International Teqball Federation (FITEQ), the sport is gaining international recognition, with aspirations to join the Olympic roster.
However, in India, it continues to struggle for visibility.
Declan and Anas shared their journey, achievements, and the hurdles they face as they strive to establish Indian teqball on the global stage in an exclusive interview with The Bridge.
A chance meeting
Anas Baig first encountered teqball three years ago, just before the pandemic.
A friend introduced him to the sport through a local invitational tournament, sparking his interest.
“Until then, I’d only seen it online,” Anas recalls. “Participating in that tournament made me fall in love with the game.”
For Declan Gonsalves, the introduction came through a footballing friend who invited him to a casual teqball game.
“We started playing for fun, but as we watched videos of international matches, our curiosity grew. What began as a hobby quickly turned into a serious passion,” he says.
Both Declan and Anas juggle full-time jobs alongside their training. Anas works in the sports industry but not directly with teqball, while Declan is employed at a media agency.
“Training happens in the evenings or on weekends,” Anas explains. “It’s tough, but discipline keeps us going.”
Declan adds, “We make it work because we genuinely love the sport.”
Reaching the world stage
The path to the World Championships wasn’t easy.
To qualify, the duo had to win the national gold medal in India - a rigorous requirement set by FITEQ.
Following this, they competed in international tournaments to gain experience and prepare for the level of competition they would face on the global stage.
Winning India’s first medal in the sport was an emotional experience.
After losing the semi-final to Thailand, who eventually won gold, Declan and Anas had to quickly regroup for the bronze medal match.
“Winning that game was overwhelming,” Declan says. “We were both in tears.”
Anas describes standing on the podium as surreal: “It was the culmination of years of effort. That moment felt like a dream come true.”
Recognition needed for growth
Despite their historic achievement, support from authorities has been minimal.
“There’s been no formal recognition from the government,” Anas laments.
While they have been acknowledged by sports enthusiasts and featured on sports channels, the lack of official support is disheartening.
“Competing internationally is expensive, and we’ve had to fund most of it ourselves,” Declan adds. “It’s frustrating to see how other countries back their athletes.”
Teqball’s inclusion in events like the European and Asian Games is a stepping stone toward its Olympic aspirations.
Anas believes Olympic recognition would be a game-changer for the sport.
“The potential is enormous,” he says. Declan adds, “With proper support, India can become a powerhouse in teqball.”
Beyond their achievements, Declan and Anas are committed to promoting teqball in India.
They’ve established a teqball club where they coach aspiring players and are collaborating with sports academies to introduce the game to younger audiences.
“We currently coach seven students but aim to expand,” Anas shares.
Declan emphasizes raising awareness: “The more people know about teqball, the more it will grow.”
Inspiring the next generation
To those inspired by their journey, Declan and Anas have simple advice - start small and stay consistent.
“Teqball bridges football and precision sports,” Anas explains. “It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding.”
Declan adds, “Dedication and exploration can lead to great achievements.”
The journey of Declan Gonsalves and Anas Baig is yet another example how resilience powers athletes in underrepresented sports.
Recognition may be delayed, but their vision for elevating teqball in India remains unwavering.