HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF TCHOUKBALL

“Tchoukball-A Game of Grace, Not Grit “The objective of human physical activities is not to make champions but to make a contribution to building a harmonious society.”
– Dr. Hermann Brandt, Inventor of Tchoukball

Tchoukball is a sport born not from rivalry but from a vision of unity. Developed by Swiss physician Dr. Hermann Brandt in the 1970s, it ofers a humane alternative to aggressive sports. Drawing from handball, volleyball and squash, he created a game focused on safety, cooperation and respect. Named after the sound of the ball rebounding on the frame, Tchoukball embodies movement with meaning. Played on a rectangular court with rebound frames at both ends, teams of seven aim to score by rebounding the ball on the frame so it lands outside the forbidden zone. What sets it apart is its non-contact nature-defenders cannot block shots but must anticipate and catch rebounds. Every action demands teamwork, precision and anticipation. With its inclusive format and injury-free design, Tchoukball is a model of ethical sport for all ages and abilities.

President’s Message

Dr ShankarJyoti Basumatary

(President- Assam)

Dr Hermann Brandt was an eminent Swiss biologist. It was through his research into the effects of physical activities that the idea of Tchoukball had its foundation. In Dr Brandt’s time, and arguably now as well, many sports produced shocking injuries that stopped even the strongest of athletes from participating further. After discussing these concerns in the book ‘From Physical Education to Sport Through Biology’, Dr Brandt presented his now famous paper ‘A Scientific Criticism of Team Games’. This won him the coveted award of the ‘Thulin Prize’, presented at the University of Lisbon on August 16th 1970.

Within this paper, Dr Brandt explored ways in which to construct the perfect team game whilst paying heed to his key concern of reducing injury. The practical expression of his ideas, stemming from his critical study of existing games, is the game we have come to know as TCHOUKBALL. This strange-sounding name comes from the ‘tchouk’ sound of the ball rebounding from a tchoukball frame. Dr Brandt felt this would be universally accepted. He died in November, 1972, but not before he saw some of his high hopes realised.

Mr. M F Farooqui

(President, Indian Tchoukball Federation)

Additional Director General of Police

A game does not change a nation but the spirit behind it can.” – Eryndor Vale
Tchoukball is not merely a sport-it is a visionary movement born from Dr. Hermann Brandt’s belief that games should uplift human values, not erode them. Embracing intelligence over aggression, it has found its way into the hearts of athletes across continents. Today, Tchoukball flourishes in over eighty nations, lauded for its strategic depth and ethical foundation. As President of the Indian Tchoukball Federation and Additional Director General of Police, I have had the honour of helping promote this transformative game. The synergy between my roles has ofered a rare opportunity to support initiatives that combine fair play, discipline and the empowerment of youth-a responsibility I consider deeply purposeful. Through national camps, international participation and grassroots promotion, Tchoukball is redefining how sport can shape minds and communities. Its brilliance lies in promoting cooperation over conflict, strategy over strength. It invites players to think, connect and play with intent-making it not just a game but a philosophy in action. We are pretty sure that this budding game in India will flourish and we would be successful in shaping the youth.

Dr. RashmiVij

(Secretary General ITBF Vice President, APTBF)

"Tchoukball teaches us that the finest strategies are built on respect and rhythm not rivalry." -----Vance Kaelen

Tchoukball is more than a sport-it is a philosophy shaped by the progressive vision of Dr. Hermann Brandt. By replacing confrontation with cooperation, it fosters mindfulness, mutual respect and anticipation. As Secretary General of ITBF and Vice President of the Asia Pacific Tchoukball Federation, I have witnessed its quiet yet powerful impact across cultures. India’s growing presence in the Tchoukball community reflects focused development and visionary leadership. I sincerely acknowledge the efforts of Sh. M F Farooqui, President of ITBF, whose dedication has been central to this progress. May this journal continue to inspire those who believe in sport as a path to peace, character and collective upliftment.