"It can be fun, as well, because, sometimes, you get to take advantage of the waves to sprint faster — and I even saw some small fish swimming close by during the match," she said following her team's 3-1 loss to Kazakhstan on Thursday.

Making its highly anticipated beach Games debut in Sanya, teqball has emerged as one of the event's most eye-catching new attractions.

Originating from Hungary, this dynamic hybrid blends the technical ball-handling of soccer with the fast-paced intensity of table tennis, played on a curved, specially designed table.

Athletes use their feet, head, chest and knees — no hands or arms — to volley a soccer ball over the net in up to three touches per turn. Competing on open sand, players must also adapt to coastal breeze and soft ground, adding an extra layer of challenge that, again, sets beach teqball apart from its indoor version.

Set against Sanya's stunning coastal backdrop, the beachfront teqball venues at the Yuhai Club drew a large crowd to the practice sessions even before the official competition began, underlining its growing public appeal.

The impressive turnout has built confidence among the participating teams that they are helping lift the sport's popularity to new heights.

"This sport is developing rapidly and becoming more popular every year," said Ramzi El-Achkar, an official for Team Lebanon. "There is a major tournament every three to four months. We can see that it keeps improving, and it will have an even brighter future."