With great sadness, the International Fistball Association (IFA) has learned of the passing of our friend and companion, Volker Bernardi.
Volker dedicated his life to the development of sport on an international level. As long-time Executive Director of the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) and member of the IWGA Executive Committee, he shaped the rise of flying disc sports worldwide and was a highly respected voice within the global sports community.
The IFA, too, had the privilege of working with Volker on many levels. Particularly valuable was his guidance during the recognition process with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), where he supported us with his experience, clarity, and passion. In addition, we initiated cross-federation collaborations together—such as joint projects on sustainability or legal matters—that built new bridges between international sports organizations.
Yet beyond all these achievements, it was above all friendship that defined our collaboration with Volker. His openness, humor, and humanity made every encounter something special. Many of us will remember him not only as an advisor and colleague, but above all as a friend.
The loss of Volker leaves a great void—for the sports world, for his many companions, and most of all for his family. The IFA will honor his memory and continue his legacy by building bridges between federations and people—just as he showed us.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with his family and loved ones.
The IFA Athletes’ Commission has been successfully elected at The World Games, bringing together six outstanding representatives from three continents to shape the future of fistball.
Successful Election of the IFA Athletes’ Commission at The World Games
The election of the IFA Athletes’ Commission during The World Games has been successfully completed. All nominated candidates have been elected and will serve as members of the Athletes’ Commission for a term of four years, until the next World Games in 2029.
Elected Members Men
Josh Cameron (NZL) – Committed to growing fistball internationally, particularly in New Zealand, where his efforts have already expanded the sport. His vision and dedication bring fresh perspectives to the Athletes’ Commission.
Gabriel Heck (BRA) – With many years of active involvement in fistball, Gabriel aims to use his experience to help the sport grow and make it even more enjoyable and rewarding for players worldwide.
Eric Kindler (USA) – A long-serving Chair of the Athletes’ Commission and active international player, Eric has been a strong voice for athletes in the IFA Board of Directors, advocating for fair play, athlete welfare, and sport development.
Women
Tanja Bognar (SUI) – A long-time member of the world’s fistball elite, with international playing experience in both Europe and South America, Tanja brings a deep understanding of the athlete community.
Cecilia Jaques (BRA) – Drawing on her playing experience and involvement in PAFA, Cecilia is dedicated to representing athletes’ voices and contributing to the worldwide growth of fistball.
Antonia Woitsch (AUT) – Current Chair of the Athletes’ Commission and member of the IFA Board of Directors, Antonia’s open-minded approach and strong motivation to improve fistball at all levels make her a valuable representative.
Both current Chairs and IFA Board members, Antonia Woitsch (AUT) and Eric Kindler (USA), have been re-elected to the Athletes’ Commission and will continue their successful work representing athletes’ interests at the highest level.
“I am proud to see that our Athletes’ Commission is now composed of world-class athletes from different continents. They are not only outstanding on the field but also bring passion and a sense of responsibility for the further development of our sport”, said IFA President Jörn Verleger.
The Athletes’ Commission will now elect from among its members a male and a female Chair. Both will become members of the IFA Board of Directors and will represent the athletes’ voices in the federation’s highest decision-making body.
During The World Games, new athlete representatives will be elected to the IFA Athletes’ Commission. The elected representatives will serve for a term of four years or until the next World Games in 2029.
All athletes participating in The World Games are invited to vote online for their representatives. The link to the online voting will be sent to all in the World Games participating athletes directly. Male athletes elect male athlete representatives, female athletes elect their female athlete representatives. Each athlete can cast up to two votes.
Nominated Candidates (alphabetical order)
Men
Josh Cameron, NZL
Josh is committed to growing fistball internationally, with a particular focus on developing the sport in New Zealand. His efforts have already contributed to the expansion of teams in his home country, and his vision and dedication can help bring fresh perspectives to the Athletes’ Commission.
Gabriel Heck, BRA
Gabriel has been highly involved in fistball for many years and aims to use his experience to help the sport grow and to make it even more enjoyable and worthwhile for players around the world. His commitment and knowledge make him a strong candidate to represent the athletes’ interests.
Eric Kindler, USA
Eric brings years of experience as an active international fistball player and a strong connection to the athlete community and leads the Athletes’ Commission for many years already. He rises his voice in the IFA Board of Directors for the best for our sport and all athletes. His dedication to promoting fair play, athlete welfare, and the development of the sport makes him a valuable candidate for the Athletes’ Commission.
Women
Tanja Bognar, SUI
Tanja has been part of the world’s fistball elite for many years and is highly familiar with the challenges and demands of our sport. Her international playing experience in both Europe and South America gives her a broad understanding of the athlete community.
Cecilia Jaques, BRA
She wants to contribute to the development of fistball worldwide. Using her experience on the field and in PAFA, she wishes to use her voice to represent athletes and to strengthen our sport.
Antonia Woitsch, AUT
Antonia has been a member of the Athletes’ Commission for several years, currently serving as its Chair and as a member of the IFA Board of Directors. Her open-minded approach and strong motivation to improve our sport on all levels are ideal qualities for this important role.
IFA President Jörn Verleger said: “I am proud to see that we have been able to attract world-class athletes from different continents as candidates for our Athletes’ Commission. They are not only outstanding on the field but also bring passion and a sense of responsibility for the further development of our sport.”
The election will take place via an online voting tool on August 12. All athletes eligible to vote will receive an email with the voting link. The elected Athletes’ Commission shall elect from among its members a male and female chairperson, who shall also be a member of the IFA Board of Directors.
The women of TSV Dennach and the men of Union Tigers Vöcklabruck once again claimed the title at the IFA Fistball World Tour Finals in Vöcklabruck. Both teams remained undefeated throughout the entire tournament. More than 1,000 spectators witnessed the finals day at the Volksbankstadion in Vöcklabruck.
The 2024 titleholders once again stood at the top of the podium at this year’s IFA Fistball World Tour Finals: In Vöcklabruck, the women of TSV Dennach (Germany) and the men of host club Union Tigers Vöcklabruck (Austria) celebrated the World Tour Finals title – just like the year before. Both teams impressed with strong performances throughout the competition, remained unbeaten in all their matches, and secured the prestigious title against domestic rivals in the final.
Men
For the first time in the history of the IFA World Tour Finals, two Austrian teams faced each other in the men’s final. Union Tigers Vöcklabruck, entering as defending champions, were challenged by DSG UKJ Froschberg, who had reached the final after three consecutive President’s Cup wins and a remarkable tournament performance. However, in the final, Froschberg couldn’t quite match their previous form. In tight and thrilling sets, the Tigers maintained their composure at the key moments and sealed their title defense with a 3:0 win (11:8, 11:8, 12:10) in front of their home crowd. Just like in 2024, SG Novo Hamburgo (Brazil) secured the bronze medal, defeating Swiss side Faustball Wigoltingen in the third-place match with 3:0 (11:6, 11:9, 11:9), thus reaching the podium at every edition of the World Tour Finals so far. FBC LINZ AG Urfahr, the reigning European Cup champions, took the President’s Cup title. They beat TV Vaihingen/Enz (Germany) 3:1 (11:7, 12:14, 11:7, 11:7) and finished in a strong fifth place. Clube Mêrces (Brazil) defeated South Jersey Fistball Club (USA) 3:0 (11:7, 11:8, 11:8) to secure seventh place.
Women
The club world championship title remains firmly in the hands of TSV Dennach. The German titleholders had already demonstrated their dominance during the tournament, reaching the final without dropping a single set in either the group stage or the semifinal. That didn’t change in the rematch of last year’s final against German rivals TV Jahn Schneverdingen. Dennach showed up as a strong, cohesive unit, displayed rock-solid defense and consistent attacking play. With a 3:0 victory (11:7, 11:8, 11:7), TSV Dennach claimed their third World Tour Finals title overall. TV Jahn Schneverdingen had to settle for silver for the third consecutive time. As in 2024, bronze went to SOGIPA Cargo Way (Brazil). The team from Porto Alegre faced a close battle with Faustball Kreuzlingen (Switzerland), ultimately winning 3:1 (11:9, 9:11, 11:9, 11:7) to secure their place on the podium. SVD Diepoldsau-Schmitter crowned themselves President’s Cup champions after coming from behind to defeat TSV Calw 3:1 (10:12, 11:6, 11:7, 13:11). Seventh place went to FG Elgg-Ettenhausen (Switzerland), who ended the tournament with a 3:0 win (11:8, 11:7, 11:7) over Clube Duque de Caxias Curitiba (Brazil).
Tigers Vöcklabruck Shine Also as Hosts
Union Tigers Vöcklabruck not only impressed on the field but also delivered a top-notch event as hosts. Organizing the club world championship for the first time, the Upper Austrian club created a great atmosphere – especially on the weekend – with more than 1,000 spectators attending the finals day. “All the hard work of the past months truly paid off,” said local organizing committee head Stefan Huemer. “The event went exceptionally well, and then winning the title on top of that means the world to us. We thank all the teams for the high-level matches they presented to our fans and the many volunteers who made this tournament possible!”
The semifinalists of the IFA Fistball World Tour Finals in Vöcklabruck have been determined. On their way there, the teams once again delivered thrilling duels in the preliminary rounds. Both the defending champions in the men’s and women’s competitions remain in the race for another title.
The final matchups at the IFA Fistball World Tour Finals in Vöcklabruck are set: The women’s final will be a repeat of last year’s championship clash between the two German teams TSV Dennach and TV Jahn Schneverdingen. In the men’s competition, it will be an all-Austrian showdown between defending champions Union Tigers Vöcklabruck and DSG UKJ Froschberg. In the bronze medal matches, SOGIPA Cargo Way (Brazil) will face Faustball Kreuzlingen (Switzerland) in the women’s event, while SG Novo Hamburgo (Brazil) will meet Faustball Wigoltingen (Switzerland) in the men’s competition.
Men
The men’s semifinals were packed with excitement and delivered some unforgettable moments for the crowd in the Volksbankstadion Vöcklabruck. The match between SG Novo Hamburgo and Union Tigers Vöcklabruck went the full distance. The Tigers made a perfect start with a 2:0 lead (11:7, 11:9), but the Brazilians came back strong—just like they had in the group stage—and tied the match with 11:7 and 11:8 set wins. In the deciding set, however, the defending champions held their ground (11:6), securing their place in the “Finale dahoam.” Their opponent will also be from Austria: DSG UKJ Froschberg continued their impressive run with a 3:1 (11:6, 12:10, 6:11, 11:9) win over Faustball Wigoltingen. The final between the two Austrian clubs will take place on Sunday at 4:30 PM. Novo Hamburgo and Wigoltingen will battle for bronze at 1:30 PM.
In the President’s Cup final, two group stage opponents will meet again: TV Vaihingen/Enz and FBC LINZ AG Urfahr. Vaihingen defeated Clube Mercês (13:11, 11:8, 3:11, 11:4), while Urfahr overcame the South Jersey Fistball Club (11:7, 11:5, 11:6). Clube Mercês and South Jersey will play for 7th place on Sunday.
Women
The 2024 World Tour Finals final will be repeated in 2025. Defending champions TSV Dennach and last year’s finalists TV Jahn Schneverdingen have again secured their spots in the women’s final. Dennach continued their winning streak with a commanding 3:0 (11:9, 11:6, 11:7) victory over SOGIPA Cargo Way. Schneverdingen had earlier claimed their ticket to the final with a 3:1 win (11:6, 4:11, 11:9, 11:8) over Faustball Kreuzlingen in a hard-fought and evenly matched contest. The final between the two German teams will take place at 3:00 PM, while SOGIPA and Kreuzlingen will play for bronze.
The President’s Cup final will feature SVD Diepoldsau-Schmitter and TSV Calw. Diepoldsau defeated Duque de Caxias Curitiba with a clear 3:0 (11:6, 11:6, 11:6), while Calw won against FG Elgg-Ettenhausen (11:6, 11:4, 13:11). The matches for 5th and 7th place will be played on Sunday at 9:00 AM.
Tickets Available at the Venue
Tickets for the final day are available directly at the box office. Around 1,000 covered seats are available. Those who cannot attend in person can follow all matches live online: All games of the World Tour Finals will be streamed for free at www.fistball.tv.
The teams for the semifinals of the IFA Fistball World Tour Finals in Vöcklabruck are set. The group stage once again delivered thrilling duels on the way to the knockout rounds. Both defending champions — men and women — remain in the race for another title.
In the women’s competition, Faustball Kreuzlingen secured the final spot in the Top 4 and joins group winners TSV Dennach, SOGIPA/Cargo Way, and TV Jahn Schneverdingen in the semifinals. In the men’s competition, Union Tigers Vöcklabruck and DSG UKJ Froschberg won their groups and are joined by Faustball Wigoltingen and SG Novo Hamburgo. The Brazilians staged a remarkable comeback against FBC LINZ AG Urfahr — who, despite being reigning European Cup champions, are now out of the title race.
Men
The decisive match for the final men’s semifinal spot went all the way to the fifth set: both FBC LINZ AG Urfahr and SG Novo Hamburgo needed a win to stay in the title hunt. Linz initially led 2:0 (11:8, 12:10), but Novo Hamburgo turned things around and claimed the next three sets (11:9, 11:6, 11:8) to complete the comeback. Earlier, the Brazilians had also beaten TV Vaihingen/Enz 3:0 (11:8, 11:9, 11:7). Group victory, however, went to DSG UKJ Froschberg. After their strong opening win against Novo Hamburgo, Froschberg followed up with a second win in the Linz derby against Urfahr (11:6, 15:14, 9:11, 11:8), reaching the World Tour Final semifinals for the first time — after previously winning three President’s Cup titles. Despite losing 1:3 (8:11, 10:12, 11:9, 7:11) to Vaihingen/Enz, they remained at the top of the group.
Defending champions Union Tigers Vöcklabruck made short work of the group stage. After an opening 3:0 win over Faustball Wigoltingen, they followed up with further victories against South Jersey Fistball Club (11:5, 11:3, 11:6) and Clube Mercês (11:6, 11:7, 11:8), sealing first place in the group. Wigoltingen also progressed to the semifinals after wins over Mercês (11:2, 11:8, 11:9) and South Jersey (11:3, 11:4, 11:7).
The semifinals will see a rematch of last year’s clash in Mannheim: hosts Union Tigers Vöcklabruck face SG Novo Hamburgo at 17:00, followed by DSG UKJ Froschberg vs. Faustball Wigoltingen at 18:30. In the President’s Cup semifinals, Clube Mercês meets TV Vaihingen/Enz (17:00), while South Jersey Fistball Club takes on FBC LINZ AG Urfahr (18:30).
Women
Three semifinal spots were already confirmed before the second day of group play — the fourth was secured by Faustball Kreuzlingen. The Swiss side defeated TSV Calw in straight sets (11:9, 11:8, 11:6), bouncing back from their 0:3 loss to TSV Dennach the day before. The defending champions also won 3:0 (11:6, 11:7, 11:2) against Clube Duque de Caxias, claiming the top spot in their group.
TV Jahn Schneverdingen also secured group victory with a 3:2 win (11:13, 11:9, 7:11, 11:6, 11:6) over SOGIPA/Cargo Way in a dramatic match, overcoming two set deficits. Third place went to SVD Diepoldsau-Schmitter, who defeated Swiss rivals FG Elgg-Ettenhausen 3:0 (11:7, 11:8, 11:3).
In the semifinals, TV Jahn Schneverdingen will face Faustball Kreuzlingen at 14:00, while SOGIPA/Cargo Way and TSV Dennach meet at 15:30 in another exciting matchup. The President’s Cup semifinals will feature SVD Diepoldsau-Schmitter vs. Clube Duque de Caxias (10:00) and FG Elgg-Ettenhausen vs. TV Calw (15:30).
Tickets Available at the Venue
Tickets for the weekend and remaining tournament days are available at the box office. Around 1,000 covered seats are provided for spectators. Those unable to attend in person can follow all matches live online: All World Tour Finals games will be streamed free of charge at www.fistball.tv.
The opening day of the IFA Fistball World Tour Finals in Vöcklabruck already delivered key preliminary decisions for the semifinals. While the women’s competition has its first confirmed semifinalists, the men’s side promises even more excitement on day two.
Under changing weather conditions, the IFA Fistball World Tour Finals for men and women kicked off at the Volksbank Stadium in Vöcklabruck. In the women’s tournament, several teams secured early advancement to the semifinals. In the men’s tournament, a thrilling 3:2 victory by DSG UKJ Froschberg over SG Novo Hamburgo electrified the local crowd.
Women
Two matches, two victories – and a ticket to the semifinals: In Group “Harald Bayer”, the decisions have already been made. SOGIPA/Cargo Way (Brazil) and TV Jahn Schneverdingen (Germany) each celebrated two wins on the first day of group play and have secured their semifinal spots. SOGIPA defeated SVD Diepoldsau-Schmitter (11:7, 11:8, 11:7) and FG Elgg-Ettenhausen (14:12, 11:3, 11:9) without dropping a set and currently lead the standings. TV Jahn Schneverdingen also holds four points, with wins over Elgg-Ettenhausen (11:9, 11:8, 11:6) and Diepoldsau (11:7, 11:5, 11:13, 11:9), sitting in second place. On Friday at 3 p.m., SOGIPA and Schneverdingen will battle for the group win, while the two Swiss teams, still without a win, will face off to decide third place in the group.
TSV Dennach has also secured a semifinal ticket. The defending champions remained unbeaten in matches against TSV Calw (11:7, 11:9, 11:7) and Faustball Satus Kreuzlingen (11:8, 11:4, 11:6), topping Group “Franz Bakan.” Behind them, the final semifinal spot will be decided on Friday (4:30 p.m.) when Kreuzlingen and Calw meet. Both teams beat Clube Duque de Caxias Curitiba – Kreuzlingen (11:6, 11:5, 11:6) and Calw (11:2, 11:6, 11:4).
Men
It was a nerve-wracking encounter full of spectacular defensive plays: DSG UKJ Froschberg and SG Novo Hamburgo battled over five intense sets in their opening Group “Michael Feichtenschlager” match. The Brazilians, who won bronze last year, twice took the lead – but Froschberg answered each time (11:9, 10:12, 11:6, 8:11). In the decisive fifth set, both teams pushed to the limit, but the team from Linz sealed the 11:9 win to deliver a small opening-day upset. Austria’s second team, FBC LINZ AG Urfahr, also started strong. The newly crowned European Cup champion beat TV Vaihingen/Enz (Germany) 3:1 (11:9, 11:8, 4:11, 11:6) and now tops the standings after day one.
In Group “David Lorenz”, the matches were more straightforward. Host and defending champion Union Tigers Vöcklabruck opened with a 3:0 win (11:8, 11:5, 11:8) over STV Wigoltingen (Switzerland), followed by another dominant 3:0 victory (11:5, 11:8, 11:0) over South Jersey Fistball Club (USA).
On Friday, group play continues from 12 p.m. In the matchup between Clube Mercês and STV Wigoltingen, a direct battle for a semifinal spot could unfold, while the Tigers Vöcklabruck will face South Jersey. At 1:30 p.m., the Linz city derby between group leaders FBC LINZ AG Urfahr and DSG UKJ Froschberg promises high drama. Meanwhile, SG Novo Hamburgo and TV Vaihingen/Enz are already playing to keep their semifinal hopes alive. The final men’s group matches will be played at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Ideal Conditions at the Volksbank Stadium
The Volksbank Stadium in Vöcklabruck offers excellent infrastructure for hosting the World Tour Finals. Around 1,000 covered seats will ensure ideal viewing conditions for spectators in all weather conditions. On-site catering is also well arranged: A wine and cocktail lounge will be open on Friday and Saturday, while the official Players’ Party will take place on Sunday.
“The infrastructure is ready, and the Union Tigers Vöcklabruck are doing a fantastic job organizing this event,” says Sönke Spille, Head of Events at the International Fistball Association. “They are working with great passion – we are looking forward to four exciting days of fistball.”
Tickets Available at the Venue
Tickets for Friday and the remaining event days are available directly at the box office. Those unable to attend in person can still follow every match live online: All games of the World Tour Finals will be broadcast free of charge at www.fistball.tv.
The 2025 IFA Fistball World Tour Finals – the World Club Championship for men’s and women’s teams – are just around the corner. From Thursday to Sunday, July 24–27, the world’s top club teams will gather at the Volksbank Stadium in Vöcklabruck, Austria.
The international elite of fistball will come together from July 24 to 27 at the Volksbank Stadium in Vöcklabruck: At the IFA Fistball World Tour Finals 2025, the best men’s and women’s club teams will compete for the most prestigious title in club fistball. Hosting the event for the first time is Austrian top club Union Tigers Vöcklabruck, who claimed the men’s title last year – and now aim to defend it in front of a home crowd.
Strong preliminary groups in both competitions
On Thursday and Friday, eight men’s and eight women’s teams will battle in two groups each for a place in the semifinals. In the men’s competition, defending champion Vöcklabruck will face Clube Mercês (Brazil), Faustball Wigoltingen (Switzerland), and South Jersey Fistball Club (USA) in Group “David Lorenz”. Group “Michael Feichtenschlager” features SG Novo Hamburgo (Brazil), FBC LINZ AG Urfahr (Austria), TV Vaihingen/Enz (Germany), and DSG UKJ Froschberg (Austria).
In the women’s event, defending champion TSV Dennach (Germany) leads Group “Franz Bakan” and will face Faustball Kreuzlingen (Switzerland), TSV Calw (Germany), and Clube Duque de Caxias (Brazil). Group “Harald Bayer” is headed by last year’s finalist TV Jahn Schneverdingen (Germany) and includes SOGIPA/Cargo Way (Brazil), SVD Diepoldsau-Schmitter, and FG Elgg-Ettenhausen (both Switzerland). The group names pay tribute to four legendary attackers from Vöcklabruck who played a key role in shaping the local club scene.
Finals on Sunday
The semifinals will be played on Saturday, with placement and medal matches following on Sunday. The women’s final is scheduled for 3:00 p.m., while the men’s final will begin at 4:30 p.m. The President’s Cup will determine places 5 through 8 among the remaining teams.
Ideal Conditions at the Volksbank Stadium
The Volksbank Stadium in Vöcklabruck offers excellent infrastructure for hosting the World Tour Finals. Around 1,000 covered seats will ensure ideal viewing conditions for spectators in all weather conditions. On-site catering is also well arranged: A wine and cocktail lounge will be open on Friday and Saturday, while the official Players’ Party will take place on Sunday.
“The infrastructure is ready, and the Union Tigers Vöcklabruck are doing a fantastic job organizing this event,” says Sönke Spille, Head of Events at the International Fistball Association. “They are working with great passion – we are looking forward to four exciting days of fistball.”
Tickets Available
This is the first time Vöcklabruck is hosting the World Tour Finals. “Everything is set – we are looking forward to welcoming many fans and fistball enthusiasts to the venue,” says Stefan Huemer, Head of the Local Organizing Committee for Union Tigers Vöcklabruck. The team has spent the past months preparing the tournament. “We want to provide the best possible conditions for both athletes and fans,” Huemer adds.
Tickets will be available at the venue as day or combo tickets. For those who cannot attend in person, every match will be streamed live and for free at www.fistball.tv.
IFA President Jörn Verleger is fulfilling a dream on Sunday by competing in the Challenge long-distance triathlon in Roth for the first time. He started training late due to a back injury. His motivation comes not least from special memories of the past.
Soccer World Cup winner André Schürrle was supposed to make his long-distance debut at Challenge Roth this year. However, the world champion’s last-minute cancellation left many fans disappointed. But numerous other athletes from different sports will be taking to the starting line in Roth, including IFA President Jörn Verleger (53).
From the spectator stands to the track
Verleger has been following the triathlon in Roth for decades. “I was there in 1996 when Lothar Leder made his legendary finish, becoming the first person to break the eight-hour mark, and I’ve watched the last runners cross the finish line many times over the years,” recalls Verleger.
Time and again, he told himself during the triathlon night that he would “run across the finish line as a competitor one day.” Now, nearly 30 years later, the time has come.
Back problems and late preparation
Training was supposed to start in January, but back problems delayed the start until April. After eight weeks of physical therapy, Verleger traveled through Japan for three weeks in March, still not completely pain-free. The decision was made on the flight back: now or never.
Immediately after landing, he headed to Saxony-Anhalt to pick up a training bike from a triathlete friend. “Until then, I didn’t have a proper bike, nor had I ever done any road bike training,” says Verleger. Today, he is pain-free and convinced that “exercise is the best medicine.”
Training between the Isar Valley and Solarer Berg
In May, Verleger completed a full lap of the original route for the first time. At the beginning of the year, his idea was still met with ridicule among his friends. Today, the team, which calls itself “Rennschnecken” (racing snails), has its own logo on freshly printed shirts, the race schedule is set, and friends are scheduled to provide support along the route.
“If everything goes well, it will take us around twelve hours – maybe a little faster, but the main goal is to arrive at the Home of Triathlon healthy and together,” says Verleger, summarizing the team’s shared motivation.
Together with his wife Tina during the course inspection on May 18 at the Home of Triathlon.
Listen also to his mini podcast series entitled “Challenge Accepted – My Relay Triathlon Diary for the Roth 2025 project” on https://open.spotify.com/show/1XoMCZThdSrfOBuKH6kUmWwith four episodes about the journey to Roth.
The countdown is on: in just five weeks, the World Games 2025 will officially begin in Chengdu, China. Among the sports featured are the fistball competitions, scheduled to take place from August 9 to 13 in the heart of the city’s scenic Tianfu Park. With less than a month to go, preparations by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) have reached the final stretch — and a key milestone was marked last week with a final venue inspection by International Fistball Association (IFA) Sports Director and Technical Delegate, Gastao Englert.
Englert visited the newly built fistball venue and met with various members of the Chinese organizing team to review all aspects of the tournament setup. The venue, which features specially adapted natural grass courts for both match play and warm-ups, is nearly complete. “Both the match and the practice/warm-up fields are in good condition and could be used today,” Englert noted. “We are now fine-tuning details such as grass density and bounce quality, but overall, we are in excellent shape.”
One of the event’s defining features will be its setting: the fistball matches will take place in the middle of a public park, offering spectators and passersby an opportunity to witness world-class sport in an open and accessible environment. With eight teams in both the men’s and women’s competitions – more than ever before – the sport is gaining unprecedented visibility at the World Games.
The venue will also include athlete and media zones, as well as individual team tents — highlighting the LOC’s commitment to both professionalism and comfort. As part of the local integration effort, a group of PE teachers from Chengdu, trained through a combination of webinars and hands-on sessions, will serve as line referees and recording clerks. A practical training session was recently held directly on-site, following earlier online instruction.
This engagement reflects a broader ambition: using the World Games as a launchpad for fistball development in China. According to Englert, the groundwork being laid today could soon lead to the formation of Chinese national youth teams — with the goal of fielding boys’ and girls’ squads at the 2026 U18 World Championship in Switzerland.
Interview with Gastão Englert
Last week, you visited Tianfu Park in Chengdu once again to do a final check of the newly constructed fistball courts. What is your impression of the current state of preparations one month before the start of the World Games? My impression is the best possible. It has been a very positive surprise to see how professional, results-oriented, and available the Chinese team is — and most importantly, how willing they are to do everything necessary to solve any issue that arises. Both the match and the practice/warm-up fields are in good condition and could be used today. We are now working on the final details regarding the grass and bounce rebound, which are also in a good stage. Beyond the fields, the overall structure is impressive and already 95% complete. This includes a private tent for each team, as well as dedicated areas for athletes and media.
The fistball competitions will take place on specially adapted natural grass fields in the middle of a public park. What kind of atmosphere can teams expect? The city of Chengdu is inclusive, democratic, and focused on community and well-being. Hosting the fistball event in the middle of a public park brings our sport closer to the local people, offering great visibility, atmosphere, and engagement. Often, venues are located far from the public eye — but this time, the Chinese LOC has chosen a truly special and integrated location.
How important are the fistball competitions in Chengdu for the international development of fistball—and what are your expectations for the 2025 World Games in terms of sports and organization? It is always a special opportunity when we play in a new fistball country. It’s a chance to develop new members and create new fistball teams, players and fans. This time, the experience is even more meaningful. Since last year, we’ve been working closely with physical education teachers from Chengdu, who will serve as line referees and recording clerks during the competition. To prepare them, we organized a webinar and an on-site training session. In the future, these teachers could become the coaches and mentors of the next generation of fistball players in China. In this direction we already have some practical sessions with local players. Our goal is to have Chinese teams—both women’s and men’s—compete in next year’s U18 World Championship in Switzerland.
Deutsch
