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Final and last episode #56 of Fistball Inside

• Season 4 • Episode 56

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Podcast: Fistball Inside – Episode 56 (Final Edition)
Date: 2 September 2025
Duration: 51 minutes

The final episode of Fistball Inside marks a special milestone as Jörn Verleger hosts a farewell conversation with Gastão Englert, the newly elected IFA President.

Key topics covered:

  • Transition of Leadership:
    Jörn reflects on producing 56 episodes and officially hands over to Gastão, who becomes the 7th President of the International Fistball Association (IFA). Gastão shares his gratitude, emphasizing the honor of representing Fistball globally and his vision for its future.
  • World Games in Chengdu 2025:
    Both discuss their impressions of the event, highlighting:
    • The incredible dedication of volunteers in China.
    • Successful introduction of the new tournament format with gold/silver groups, ensuring closer, more competitive matches.
    • Managing challenges, including a full-day schedule cancellation due to weather.
    • Historic gender equality: for the first time, 8 men’s and 8 women’s teams competed.
  • Tournament Highlights:
    • Women’s Final: Brazil’s comeback win over Switzerland after facing match points, with captain Cecilia Jacques named player of the day.
    • Men’s Final: Brazil dominated Germany with flawless serving and strategy, securing double gold for Brazil.
    • Emerging teams like New Zealand were praised for remarkable development in both men’s and women’s competitions.
  • Future of Fistball & IFA Priorities:
    Gastão outlines his presidency goals:
    • Achieving IOC recognition as the top priority, unlocking support from national Olympic committees worldwide.
    • Strengthening IFA’s role within AIMS and IWGA.
    • Reforming the World Tour and World Tour Finals to make them more attractive to teams and hosts.
    • Establishing new commissions for referees and sports development.
  • Closing Reflections:
    The episode ends on a personal and emotional note, thanking the community for seven years of listening. Jörn and Gastão together affirm the sport’s spirit with the motto:
    “Together we are Fistball.”