Teqball is set to make its debut in a major multi-sports event after being added to the programme for next year's Asian Beach Games in Sanya. 

The decision to add the fledging football-based sport, played on a curved table, to the programme in the Chinese resort was announced during the 38th Olympic Council of Asia General Assembly by its President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah here today.

Sheikh Ahmad revealed teqball, only invented in Hungary five years ago but which is already popular with some of the world's top footballers, including Lionel Messi, would be added to the Games along with karate and Muay Thai.

They will join 16 other sports announced by the Chinese organisers.