Teenagers smash out Tchoukball tournament in Malaysia

A sport hardly known in Aotearoa and the Pacific, has kickstarted a new journey for Kedgley Intermediate School.

Tchoukball, pronounced as “chook-ball”, is a relatively new sport that originated from Switzerland in the 1970s.

It incorporates elements of handball and volleyball, with an emphasis on strategic play and sportsmanship.

Teams consist of seven players and the goal is to score points by throwing a ball against a rebound surface called a “tchouk” so that it bounces off and lands in the opposing team’s scoring area without being caught.

Principal Pelu Leaupepetele said they were introduced to the sport through a grandparent at the school, Pastor Gary Visatacion.

“In the last two years, our focus has been around sports that may not feature on ESPN or Sky Sport.

“We wanted to take a look at some sports that might have some really deep challenges for our kids emotionally, challenge them with the skills that are needed, most importantly, the values within the sport itself.”

U15 Tchoukblack athlete in Malaysia tournament / Photo: Kedgley Intermediate School

Pastor Gary was the sole member and President of the New Zealand Tchoukball Federation for many years until recently.

The journey of tchoukball at Kedgley Intermediate began in August last year. Kedgley Intermediate teacher and tchoukball coach Sione Tonga completed professional coaching and refereeing development.

“I thought it would be an awesome sport to bring to our school. It’s a sport that is different to a lot of sports that are usually contact, a lot of physical power and strength, whereas this is a bit more of a thinking strategy and teamwork.”

Sione, alongside his team consisting of Kedgley staff and parents - assistant coach Tony Tuia, managers Rere Williams and Paula Siebertand mediaperson Jarom Fitisemanu - taught twelve to thirteen year olds how to play tchoukball in just ten weeks.

With their commitment to making the Asia Pacific Youth Tchoukball Championships in Malaysia, the team showcased their hardwork and dedication to the sport through early morning training sessions.

The school, parents and community also contributed in fundraising for the team to Malaysia.

“The biggest thing is the amount of people it took.This wasn't just myself and the kids. When it says it takes a community to get someone somewhere, it took a whole community,” said Sione.

U15 Tchoukblack girl athlete in Malaysia / Photo: Kedgley Intermediate School

The team travelled more than twelve hours across the globe. Buzzing excitement filled the air as New Zealand’s young team, named the Tchoukblacks, experienced a new environment, for what would be for the most their first time.

More than thirty countries with multiple teams competed in the tournament. The tournament took place on 19th July to the 21st July 2024 in Johor, Malaysia.

Being the sole team representing New Zealand was a proud honour for the team.

“They stood up there and they realized they're not just standing up there for themselves, for their families, their school, their community, their country.

“To carry a lot of that, mind you, a lot of the other nations had multiple teams. New Zealand had the one team, and they carried the entire nation too. That was it,” said Sione.

Tchoukblacks represented New Zealand with both a girls and boys team and despite going up against more experienced teams, they were able to represent their country with pride.

According to the school’s report on the trip, each match was a strenuous contest against Asian powerhouses but they came close to winning against teams from Malaysia, Nepal, Hong Kong and China.

Tchoukblack coach Sione said they also had the opportunity to share their culture with the rest of the world, through performances including the haka, Cook Island dance and Samoan siva as the first opening item for the cultural night.

Photo: Kedgley Intermediate School

Team manager Rere Williams says their presence left a lasting impression on the masses and their opponents.

Sione says they are excited for the journey ahead. They hope to progress the sport throughout the school and spark passion across the nation to take up tchoukball.

Their greatest hope is that the young athletes continue to work hard and represent their nation and cultures with pride and honor, as the future of Aotearoa and the Pacific.