The Swiss Women’s Fistball team once again proved they belong among the world’s elite at The World Games Chengdu 2025, capturing a silver medal after a dramatic tournament that showcased world-class performance.
For the second consecutive edition of The World Games, Switzerland stood on the podium just behind a powerhouse opponent — Brazil in Chengdu, following silver behind Germany at TWG 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama (USA).
As the women’s competition concluded on 12 August, Brazil claimed gold, Switzerland silver and Germany bronze, mirroring the high standard and fierce rivalries that defined the event.
For Swiss player Adéla Lang, the experience of Chengdu went far beyond the results.
“The experience of participating in The World Games was very special,” she said. “There are so many different sports where you can meet new, interesting people. Living in the Athletes Village with these athletes was an honour. This experience was amazing.”
On the field, however, the tournament delivered moments that will remain etched in Swiss Fistball history. Lang pointed to the semifinal against Germany as a defining match.
“Since it was such a close match, we got goosebumps several times on the field as well as off the field,” she recalled. “Not only when the Germans had match point against us and only needed one more point.”
The final against Brazil carried the same intensity. “I will also never forget the final against Brazil. It was just as close as the game against Germany,” Lang said. “I think my team and I have never played a Fistball match at such a high level.”
Standing on the podium brought mixed emotions.
“First it was very bitter. We had just lost the final,” Lang admitted. “That’s why we couldn’t really be happy. Because in our minds, it was only that we had lost gold and not won silver.”
The disappointment, she said, still lingers within the team, even as the achievement was celebrated back home. “But if someone had told us in advance that we would get silver, we would have accepted it right away.”
A key strength of this Swiss side lies in its cohesion. With a small squad, the team has grown together over time without internal selection pressure. “The atmosphere in the team is certainly very relaxed,” Lang explained. “Everyone in the team knows exactly what their role is and what is expected of them.”
That clarity is reinforced by strong leadership and close personal bonds. “We are all good friends off the field as well. In Switzerland, we live no more than an hour apart from each other and have a lot of contact even outside of sports.”
Chengdu also tested the team in new ways, particularly physically.
“We struggled the most with the heat,” Lang said.
“We’re just not used to such temperatures but I think mentally we were very strong. This is mainly thanks to Oli Lang, our coach, as he prepared us optimally for the games.”
When momentum threatened to slip, the team leaned on simple but meaningful rituals. “Our biggest help is often chocolate,” Lang said with a smile. “We always have Swiss chocolate with us. This motivates us to perform even better, even when things are not going so well.” Support from family, friends and late-night roommate conversations also played an important role.
Away from competition, the multi-sport environment added another layer to the experience. Lang enjoyed connecting with fellow athletes in the Olympic Village, especially during shared meals, calling the interactions “interesting conversations with other athletes from other countries and continents.”
Despite the success, Lang is candid about the challenges facing women’s fistball in Switzerland. Returning home meant an immediate shift back to everyday life, and she worries about declining player numbers. Still, the silver medal stands as a testament to what is possible.
Asked to sum up her World Games journey in a single word, Lang chose one that captured both the setting and the feeling. “Panda,” she said.
“I would also describe The World Games as unbelievable. It’s simply a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”