AdminThe 7th Southeast Asia (SEA) Tchoukball Championship 2023 came to an exhilarating conclusion on July 18 at the ActiveSG Pasir Ris Sport Centre in Singapore. The host nation, Singapore, displayed an outstanding performance, clinching victories in both the men’s and women’s categories of the SEA Championship. Despite a fierce battle, Malaysia emerged with a well-deserved silver medal in both categories.
In a hard-fought match, the Singaporean men’s team secured the title with a final scoreline of 59-41 against the Malaysian men’s team. The women’s final was equally intense, with Singapore claiming victory over Malaysia with a score of 38-27.
The SEA Championship was preceded by the 6th World Youth Tchoukball Championships 2023 (WYTC) from July 14-16. Over 500 athletes from around the world competed, with senior national team players participating in the SEA Championships, and youth teams competing in the Under-12, Under-15, and Under-18 age-group categories.
During the WYTC, Singapore celebrated their first gold medal in the Under-15 boys’ category, defeating the powerhouse team from Chinese Taipei. However, Chinese Taipei demonstrated their resilience and triumphed in the Under-18 boys’ category by defeating Singapore. The Singaporean Under-18 girls displayed their skill and determination, successfully defending their gold medal by defeating Macau in a thrilling match.
Malaysia’s youth teams also showcased commendable performances throughout the championships. The Under-12 boys’ team secured a respectable 6th place, while the Under-15 boys’ team finished in 4th place. In the Under-18 categories, the boys’ team secured 6th place, and the girls’ team finished in 4th place.
Delane Lim, the President of the Tchoukball Association of Singapore, expressed delight in the consecutive championships, stating, “The consecutive championships provide an exceptional opportunity for our regional athletes to enhance their skills and forge connections with fellow athletes. The continuous flow of competitive events fosters relationship-building, mutual learning, and overall improvement in sporting abilities.”
Promoting Tchoukball’s growth in Southeast Asia
The tournaments were followed by a groundbreaking initiative for the Southeast Asia region, as six countries – Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Philippines, and Indonesia – joined hands to promote and develop Tchoukball in the area. Tchoukball Singapore has been designated as the Regional Hub for Tchoukball in Southeast Asia, with the goal of supporting more SEA countries in winning medals at the Asia Pacific Championships and qualifying for the World Championships, both in the open and youth categories.
The initiative focuses on leveling up the playing field, promoting grassroots development, and enhancing professional development. Through the provision of resources, equipment, and certification programs, the initiative aims to nurture talent, encourage participation, and elevate the skills of coaches and technical officials.
In light of this momentous occasion, Jeff Ang, the Head Coach of Team Singapore, will assume the role of Regional Technical Director from September 2023. Collaborating with the South East Asia Tchoukball Federation (SEATBF), these Southeast Asian nations will also steadfastly strive to promote Tchoukball’s inclusion in the upcoming SEA Games, reaffirming their unwavering dedication to fostering the expansion and advancement of the sport.
Tchoukball in Malaysia
Introduced to Malaysia in 2007 by Jeff Ang from Singapore, Tchoukball has gained popularity among churches and schools. The Malaysian Tchoukball Association, officially registered under the Malaysian Youth and Sports Ministry in 2017, has been instrumental in organizing local tournaments and representing Malaysia in international competitions.
The excitement of Tchoukball continues as the Tchoukball World Championships are scheduled to take place from August 2nd to 5th, 2023 in Prague, Czech Republic. Malaysia’s women’s team will be participating in Group A alongside host Czech Republic, Brazil, and Switzerland.
With its fast-paced nature and emphasis on fair play, respect, and teamwork, Tchoukball continues to captivate players and spectators worldwide. The recent initiative in the SEA region promises further advancements and successes in this exhilarating indoor team sport.
Shufiyan Shukur
