Team NZL has come away from the Pacific Championships as Champions! Huge congratulations to the Men’s Masters, Men’s and Women’s teams!

This weekend, all eyes of the Fistball world focused on Australia. International Fistball was returning to Australian shores for the first time since 2018!

After a 4 year hiatus from hosting international Fistball because of border closures and travel restrictions due to Covid-19, our friends in Australia are excited to finally be able to announce the first Pacific Fistball Championships, a tournament in which the New Zealand Fistball Association, Japan and the host Fistball Federation of Australia participate.

Event website: https://www.fistball.com.au/2022-pacific-fistball-championships-hub/?fbclid=IwAR0wCQX3tfYIDNAHxwXzm_e9OnX8vYq9L9VhJUniQ-InOJkHkFuja01UhIQ

“The greatest sport you’ve never heard of.” – An incredible journey

It signals an incredible journey for an Australian team that funnily enough started as a group of mates who came up with the idea while enjoying an ice cold beverage at the pub.

Rolf ‘Godfister’ Petersen and Richard ‘Buckfist’ Williams decided to do some enthusiastic research into the sport, and then in 2013 decided to officially start the Fistball Federation of Australia (FiFA).

In 2014 they became a member of the International Fistball Association (IFA) – and now they’re looking to become heavyweights on the scene as they write on their website.

Within the framework of the III PAN-AMERICAN FISTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS in Novo Hamburgo the member federations elected a new PAFA board. IFA was represented at the congress by Vice President Dr. Giana Hexsel and Secretary General Christoph Oberlehner.

Gastao Englert was elected as new president of PAFA, the previous President Cris Süffert will serve as Vice President in the future. In addition to Englert and Süffert, the team is completed by José Luiz Eltz as referee director, Rejane Sinhori as sports director, Fernanda Hechenleitner for finances, Mora Veliz in administration, Cristobal Mödinger as media director and Federico Fritz for the development of Fistball in the PAFA area.
At the same time, it was decided that the structures of PAFA will change significantly. In order to strengthen the Board of Directors, various commissions will be established in which the operational work will be carried out on a topic-related basis. In the process, the athletes will also be given a strong voice through a newly created Athletes’ Commission led by brazil athlete Jayme Andrioli. The representatives will be directly elected by the athletes.

The new PAFA Board of Directors:
President – Gastao Englert (BRA)
Vice President – Cris Süffert (BRA)
Administration Director – Mora Veliz (ARG)
Finance Director – Fernanda Hechenleitner (CHI)
Referee Director – José Luiz Eltz (BRA)
Sports Director – Rejane Sinhori (BRA)
Media Director – Cristobal Mödinger (CHI)
Development Director – Federico Fritz (ARG)

In the Pan-American Championship in Novo Hamburgo (BRA) Team USA and Colombia were fighting for the last starting place in the 2023 Men’s World Championship in Mannheim, Germany. It is the last qualifier event for the highlight event in 2023.

In a tough match in the preliminary round USA won against Colombia 2:1 in sets. After a 9:11 loss in set one they came back and won the remaining sets clearly 11:3 and 11:5. Team USA finished the preliminary round on the third rank after their win against Chile. The bronze medal match versus Team Argentina on Friday ended with a 2:1 victory. Colombia ranked on the 5th place.

Brasil, Argentina and Chile are already qualified as they finished the last World Championship in Switzerland in the Top 8. Pan-America has 4 starting rights in total. Colombia and USA are fighting for the last starting right.

5 national teams compete in the men’s category in the Pan-American Championship: Brasil, Argentina, Chile, USA and for the first time Colombia.
These are all qualified nations for the IFA 2023 Fistball Men’s World Championship in Mannheim, Germany:

This weekend the III PAN-AMERICAN FISTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS take place in Novo Hamburgo. Two out of the best 3 club teams from the last weekend´s IFA Fistball World Tour Final are participating. You can not miss!

Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if61kJqQs5M

Local Times (UTC-3)

Check out the schedule:
🔹 15/10 CLUBS DAY 2
8:30am Start of Games
15:00 Opening Ceremony
15:30 Resumption of Games
18:00 Closing of Games

🔹 16/10 CLUBS DAY 3
8:30 Start of Games
18:00 Awards Ceremony

#SGNH #punhobol #panamericanopunhobol #sports #PunhobolBrasil #wearefistball #faustball

Fistball is part of the CSIT World Sport Games (WSG) since 2019 in Spain. The CSIT (International Workers & Amateurs Sports Confederation) has announced the host and the dates for the next edition of the World Sport Games: The CSIT WSG will be relocated from Roma to Cervia (ITA) and take place from 5-10 September 2023. Within this multi-sports event Fistball hosts a Fistball Amateur World Cup tournament.

The CSIT ExCom made this necessary decision to change the host city at an extraordinary meeting in order to avoid impending bureaucratic problems and to be able to start preparations for the flagship event of CSIT in good time. Cervia has already successfully hosted the CSIT Single Championships in 2022 and has both the necessary infrastructure and experience to host the World Sports Games without any problems.
The WSG will now be held from September 5 – 10, 2023 in Cervia. The invitation and all information about Cervia Games 2023 will be published soon from CSIT and IFA.

The WSG are a major multi-sports event held every two years, full of sports, sport for all, cultural exchange, fun and new opportunities. These Games are not multisport games for top athletes, but for all amateurs (16 years and older) from different countries and cultures all over the world.

Male, female and gender mixed teams are allowed. Each team may exist of a minimum of 6 players. It is possible to register more than one team. The categories are formed according to the number of registrations. The tournament is played according to the Fistball – Rules of the Game.

Eligibility criteria:
All amateur players are permitted
No permission of national team players from countries finishing in the Top 7 (Men) / Top 5 (Women) at the last World Championship and players from the highest divisions in Austria, Switzerland and Germany.
Players must be at least 16 years old

Composition of the team:
Male, female and mixed teams – the categories are formed according to the number of registrations Clubs or teams of the member federations IFA / CSIT / FICEP – also several teams per club or selection are allowed
Team size minimum 6 players

On Thursday started the Pan-American Championship in Novo Hamburgo. This Championship is the last qualifier for the 2023 Men’s World Championship in Mannheim. 5 national teams compete in the men’s category: Brasil, Argentina, Chile, USA and for the first time Colombia.

Brasil, Argentina and Chile are already qualified as they finished the last World Championship in Switzerland in the Top 8. Pan-America has 4 starting rights in total. Colombia and USA are fighting for the last starting right. The direct duel takes place on Thursday 11am (Brazil time). Tomorrow Friday the placement matches take place. Good luck to all teams!

Sogipa Porto Alegre and TSV Pfungstadt are the winner of the IFA Fistball World Tour Finals 2022. In the end of the four days in Curitiba Sogipa Porto Alegre wins the final of the womens competition against the home team Duque de Caxias 3:1. Pfungstadt defeats his title of the World Tour Final in a reissue of the final 2019 against SG Novo Hamburgo with a 3:0-win.

Women’s Championship

Bronze Medal Match

In the bronze match Nussbach met Jahn Schneverdingen. Both lost their semifinals yesterday and besides the frustration still wanted to take home the bronze medal from this world tournament. In set number one the Austrian team finds into the match faster and pressure the german defense with hard hit serves and strikes. But in set number two Schneverdingen defends the first balls to play more direct settings which lead to a 11:7 win. At a 1:1 tradeoff the Austrians find back into the game. As Schneverdingen has trouble to set the balls Nussbach shows a great performance and overruns the german team with 11:3. But the European champion Schneverdingen has not yet had enough and puts it all into set number four securing a close 11:9 win. Winged by the set tradeoff the Germans grow to their full potential and leave Nussbach at a 4:9 disadvantage to finally win the decider and the bronze medal with 11:6.

Final

In the women’s final Sogipa Porto Alegre met the home team Duque de Caxias. As previously in the men’s bronze match the Duque fans pushed their team to a great performance in the first set leaving Sogipa behind 10:4 and winning the first set 11:6. In set number two Sogipa finds into the game showing spectators the except opposite of set number one leading 7:0 and winning the set with the wind in their back 11:3. With the Sogipa Fans going crazy on the stands the Duque team has a hard time finding back into the game. Powerful shots and excellent defense on Sogipas side enables the Sogipa girls to win set three and four 11:6 and 11:7 making them World champions for the third time in club history.

Result

1. Sogipa Porto Alegre (BRA), 2. Clube Duque de Caxias (BRA), 3. TV Jahn Schneverdingen (GER), 4. Union Nußbach (AUT), 5. TSV Dennach (GER), 6. VfL Kellinghusen (GER), 7. Club Manquehue (CHI), 8. SG Novo Hamburgo (BRA)

Men’s Championship

Bronze Medal Match

The men’s game for third place was played between the Tigers Vöcklabruck and the home team from Duque de Caxias. The game was thight from start to finish with Vöcklabruck reaching the two-point difference in the first set leading 1:0. In set number two Vöcklabrucks unforced attacking errors combined with great defence it is Duque reaching the 1:1 tradeoff. Again, Vöcklabruck finds back to its strengh scoring regularly with the serves turning an 8:5 lead into a 11:9 win. But Duque de Caxias fueled by its fans still gets back up and surprises the Austrians with great shots and long rallies to force a decider. In the decider the home team surpasses itself and plays their best fistball leaving Vöcklabruck little chance and securing the bronze medal.

Final

In the men’s final the qualifiers from 2019 have once again managed to reach the final in 2022. It is once again Pfungstadt the defending champion playing against the young team Ginastica Novo Hamburgo. Starting into set number one the Brazilians seem to be nervous making unforced errors that allow Pfungstadt to win the first set 11:9. In set two the Germans are again the more consistent team leaving Novo Hamburgo behind 7:3 and winning the second set with a return error by Novo Hamburgo. In set three Novo Hamburgo finally gets a hold of the game and keeps it open until Patrick Thomas finally seals Pfungstadts victory on the return to win the set 13:11 and the game 3:0.

Result

1. TSV Pfungstadt (GER), 2. SG Novo Hamburgo (BRA), 3. Clube Duque de Caxias (BRA), 4. Union Tigers Vöcklabruck (AUT), 5. DSG UKJ Froschberg (AUT), 6. AWN TV Enns (AUT), 7. TV Stammheim (GER), 8. Swim & Sport Club New Jersey (USA)

As the preliminary round was over the teams for semifinals determined. What may come as surprise to many is that four out of eight qualified teams are Brazilian, while only two German and two Austrian teams came this far in the tournament. Knowing what is at stake at semifinals the matches were physically and mentally exhausting for both players and spectators.

Women’s Championship Semifinals

Sogipa Porto Alegre vs. Union Nussbach

In the first semifinal of the day Sogipa Porto Alegre meet the Austrian Team from Nussbach. Sogipa started off strong leaving Nussbach nearly no chance to score. In set number two Nussbach then manages to defend the strong hit balls more frequently. Still, it is Sogipa winning the long rallies and securing a 2:0 set lead. In set number three Nussbach once again finds itself at a 4:7 disadvantage and must eventually accept defeat after a strong performance from Sogipa.

Duque de Caxias vs. TV Jahn Schneverdingen

In semifinal number two the home team from Duque de Caxias meet the European champion TV Jahn Schneverdingen. Against the expectations of many spectators Duque de Caxias had the game in its hand from the first ball on. Having nothing to put against the well-placed attacks from Duque’s strikers Schneverdingen falls behind quickly in all three sets. Despite much effort on German side, Duque de Caxias with their German super striker Henriette Schell is the clear winner of this emotional match. The upcoming final will therefore be between Duque de Caxias and Sogipa Porto Alegre.

Men’s Championship Semifinals

Ginastica Novo Hamburgo vs. Union Tigers Vöcklabruck

In the first semifinal of the men’s championship the winner from 2018 Novo Hamburgo meets the European champion Tigers Vöcklabruck. With their fans pushing them to their full potential Novo Hamburgo leaves the Austrian defence little chance and wins set number one 11:6. In set number two the Austrians are leading 6:4 when the Novo Hamburgo strikers once again found the gaps in the Vöcklabruck defense and made four points in a row to finally win the set 11:9. The third set again a tight one with the luckier end for Novo Hamburgo who win the set 14:12 and the match 3:0.

TSV Pfungstadt vs. Duque de Caxias

In the last match of the day the defending campion TSV Pfungstadt meet the home team from Duque de Caxias. Both teams started off strong forcing each other to the limits. It is at 10:8 for Pfungstadt when a striking error on the Brazilian side ends the first set. In set number two Pfungstadt started furiously and went in front 10:3 but had trouble finishing the set. Unforced errors on the German side let the Brazilians come back into the game. Only at 10:8 an attacking error ends the set in favor of Pfungstadt once again. In the third and final set Duque’s strikers have a hard time scoring over the Pfungstadt defence and must take much risk on their strikes. Ultimately it is Pfungstadts experience and consistency that conquered once again. The final will therefore as in 2019 be between the defending champion TSV Pfungstadt and the champion of 2018 Ginastica Novo Hamburgo.

Women’s Championship

Group A

In group A the spots in the semifinals have already been snatched by TV Jahn Schneverdingen and Sopiga Porto Alegre yesterday after winning two out of two matches each. In the head-to-head both teams had the chance to land in first place at the group stage. In a thrilling match Sogipa started furiously and surprised the German defense with a variety of well-placed shots. After winning the first set 11:6 the Sogipa girls had to deal with more resistance on the German side. Long rallies lead to a close 15:14 in favor of the Brazilians. After taking home two sets in a row the game was in the hands of the Porto Alegre girls who once again managed to get in front and secure a 3:0 win with a 11:8 in the last set.

In the match between TSV Dennach and Clube Manquehue the best rank possible for both teams would have been the third in their group. Dennach put in a lot of defensive work and brought their striker into great position while the Chileans had difficulties defending the hard-hit balls. After a closer first set Dennach grew stronger and didn’t give Manquehue any chance to secure a set. With a 3:0 the third place in group A goes to TSV Dennach.

Group B

In group B the semifinalists were yet to be determined. As Union Nussbach as well as Duque de Caxias won their first matches both were eager to win the head-to-head. In set number one the Brazilians started better into the game and lead 8:5. The Austrian defence fought back but had a hard time defending the well-placed shots from the Duque strikers. Also, in set number two Duque’s setting and the well placed shots intimidate the Nussbach defense. Only in the third and last set Nussbach can really show off their potential forcing Duques strikers to take more risk on their shots. Still Duque makes the key points and manages to close the set and game with a 15:13.

In the match between Kellinghusen and Novo Hamburgo the German team takes over the lead quickly in set number one turning a 10:4 into a 1:0 set lead. In the following set the Brazilians manage to defend the serves better and a thight match evolves. Nevertheless, it is Kellinghusen again reaching an 11:9. In the last set Kellinghusen takes the lead again, Novo Hamburgo fights back but ultimately must admit defeat.

With two out of two matches won Duque de Caxias only needs to secure a single set against Kellinghusen to reach semifinals. Further in the race for semifinals are the teams from Nussbach and Kellinghusen.

Men‘s Championship

Group A

In group A the Austrian teams from Vöcklabruck and Froschberg secured two important wins. Vöcklabruck must have felt pressure playing their second preliminary game against Duque de Caxias after losing the first match against Froschberg. While the first set ended in clear favor for the well-playing home team the following sets show a different picture. With a great team effort Vöcklabruck manages to win the next three sets and leaves the pitch obviously relieved.

Their group opponents from Froschberg meanwhile played their second game against the us-americans from Swim&Sport Club. After winning set one and two the Austrians had trouble closing the game at 10:8 in set number 3 and ultimately lost that set to the euphoric team from the US. In the last set spectators once again see a nice performance from both teams with Froschberg doing the key points and winning their second match 3:1.

The match between Vöcklabruck and Swim&Sports Club ultimately seals both teams’ faith as Vöcklabruck takes the game into its own hands keeps its opponent at a distance. With a 3:0 victory Vöcklabruck qualifies for the semifinals whereas Swim&Sport Club will play for 7^th place on Sunday.

Group B

In group B the rally for spots in the semifinal really begun with TV Enns and Ginastica Novo Hamburgo entering the tournament. As Pfungstadt won their first match against Stammheim yesterday the ambition to secure a spot in semifinals was high when playing against the Champion from 2018 Ginastica Novo Hamburgo. Patrick Thomas serving for Pfungstadt once again shows off great skills shooting his team to a 1:0 set lead. But Ginastica manages to counter better in set two and put up a fight to unfortunately loose the set 13:11. Set number three was again highly competitive with Pfungstadt eventually using their experience to secure a 3:0 victory. In the meantime, Enns started into the tournament against Stammheim and managed to get in front 10:7. The Germans putting in a lot of effort to reach a 10:10 tradeoff but still having to accept a 10:12 defeat. In set two Enns can live up to their full potential, plays great fistball and wins 11:6. Despite Stammheim trying their best to get a hold of the match Enns is the team making the 11th point in the third set. In the match against Novo Hamburgo though Enns has a hard time keeping up with the speed of the Brazilian attacks. After a closer first set ending 11:9 for Novo Hamburgo the sets two and three showed a clearer picture. Although Enns did their best to stay in the rallies it was Novo Hamburgos strikers who repeatedly scored for their team and take home the first victory. Pfungstadt currently leading the ranking with two wins out of two matches is now followed by Enns and Novo Hamburgo with a win each. Tomorrow morning the last preliminary games will determine the ultimate semifinal qualifiers.

Men’s Championship  

On day one of the World Tour Finals the spectators in Curitiba and online saw victories for favorites as well as surprises. Tomorrow the teams will ultimately seal their spots in the semifinals.  

Group A Men’s Championship  

The teams Duque de Caxias, Froschberg, Swim&Sport Club and Tigers Vöcklabruck started into the tournament with a game each today. While Duque de Caxias took advantage of playing on their home field their opponents from the Swim&Sport Club New Jersey had difficulties finding solutions to the hard hit and well-placed balls from the Brazilians. After the first set ending 11:6 for Duque de Caxias the us-american team had a hard time finding back into the match. With a 3:0 Duque secured the first points in the rally for semifinal spots. The game between Froschberg and Vöcklabruck however was highly competitive. The European champion Vöcklabruck found themselves in a 0:2 disadvantage after losing the first sets 2:11 and 7:11. Tactical substitutions then brought the awaited change and the 2:2 tradeoff. In the decider it’s once again Froschberg who makes the key points and quite surprisingly takes home the first victory. For Team Froschberg a great outcome meaning another win will probably secure them a spot in the semifinals. For Vöcklabruck losing the first game means they will have to put in a lot of effort against Duque de Caxias and Swim&Sport Club to stay in the rally for the semifinals.  

Group B Men’s Championship 

In group B only the match between Pfungstadt and Stammheim took place on the first day. Playing in the pouring rain the attackers could show off their full power and scored in common-mode leading to a thight first set with a better ending for Stammheim. In set number two it’s Pfungstadt who reaches the two point difference and takes home the set. Only in set number three Pfungstadt can really live up to their potential and defend several serves to get the 2:1 lead. The last set then once again dominated by serve with Patrick Thomas scoring the matchball for Pfungstadt, who are now one win closer to the semifinals.      

Due to the suspension of a player of Novo Hamburgo at short notice by the IFA Tribunal the technical delegation of the event decided to postpone the match of Ginastica Novo Hamburgo and AWN TV Enns to Saturday 9:00am.  

Women’s Championship  

Group A Women’s Championship 

The women’s teams from group A had to play the first and second match of the preliminary round today and managed to do so despite the pouring rain. Starting off with the rematch of 2019th Finalists from Porto Alegre and Dennach the spectators got to see fistball at its finest. The south brasilian team wins set number one quite clearly but has trouble closing set number two at a 10:5 lead. Dennach with a strong performance managing to secure 7 points in a row and winning set number 2. But Sogipa gets a hold of the game again and makes the key points to win the match 3:1. In the first match on court two between TV Jahn Schneverdingen and Clube Manquehue the defending European champion had difficulties defending the strong service from the Chilean attackers. After losing the first set the german team copes better with the conditions and can secure a 3:1 victory. In the german-internal match Dennach was putting it all in against Jahn Schneverdingen, who as well was eager to secure the second victory of the day. The wet conditions lead to a very tight game from start to finish. In the first as well as the second set both teams fought for each and every point leading to two sets ending 15:13 both times with the luckier end for TV Jahn Schneverdingen. After losing two sets this close Dennach had a hard time keeping track in set number three and had to accept a 0:3 loss in their second game. Schneverdingen however takes home the second win of the day and therefore qualifies for semifinals. Sogipa who beat the defending champion Dennach in their first game, really pulled off a performance against Manquehue knowing that a victory would also secure them a spot in semifinals. From point number one on the Porto Alegre Team was on fire and forced their game on the Chilean team, who fought back but ultimately had to surrender. With a 3:0 the Sogipa girls ended the day with two out of two wins and reached semifinals. 

In the match between the two qualified teams from Sogipa and Schneverdingen they will determine the group’s first rank.  

Group B Women’s Championship  

Clube Duque de Caxias started into the championship against their Brazilian counterpart Clube Novo Hamburgo and impressed spectators as well as the Novo Hamburgo Team with a magnificent first set which they won 11:3. After also winning a little tighter second set the Duque Girls once again showed all their technical skills to take home a well-earned 3:0 victory. On court number two the Austrian champion Union Nussbach manages to get in front early in all three sets. Kellinghusen with difficulties on the first ball is not able to get a hold of the game and must start the championship with a 0:3 loss, while Nussbach sets the first milestone on their way to semifinals. Due to heavy rain the matches between Nussbach and Duque de Caxias as well as Kellinghusen and Novo Hamburgo have been postponed and will take place tomorrow morning 08:30am UTC-3. As Duque de Caxias and Nussbach already managed to win their first games another victory would with high probability lead to a spot in the semifinals, where Schneverdingen and Sogipa are already waiting for their opponents.