Sepak Takraw Is Alive & Kicking!

Added: 10/15/2007

For a Sepak Takraw spectator, the sport’s basic thrill lies in the free style bicycle kick that accomplished players’ use from minutes of the start of the game. This South East Asian well-liked game attracts players who have swift eye to leg co-ordination. With a combination of skills from aerobatics, quick running and gymnastics even the kids indulge in this game in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Currently it is the national sport of Malaysia. Sepak Takraw combines the excitement of most ball sports. Played with the head and feet, no arms are used in playing this game. A small rattan ball is the pivotal attraction to the game. It is a team sport played over the net. After the initial toss, the winning team starts with a kick of the rattan ball over the net towards the opposition team. One player has one foot in a small serving circle. This way the game is kick started. In 1400s when the game was introduced there were no nets. A group of boys usually made a circle and kicked the rattan ball. It was only in the late 1800s that the sports authority formally introduced the net. By the time the monarchy was established in Malaysia the game’s popularity soared. In this game, the volleyball rules apply except for the use of hands in the game. Just like other ball games Sepak Takraw involves a lot of physical energy and adrenalin for the players and the spectators. The aggression is restricted to the field and players enjoy the game till today in the spirit of sportsmanship.

The game is extremely popular and is simply called ‘takraw’ (which means to throw the ball). What attracts even the children to this game is the tumbling and bling, bicycle kicks that one gets to perform. The way gully cricket is played in India, basketball hoops happen to be in the backyard of homes across US, similarly takraw is played in South East Asian countries. It will still take a few more decades, by the time it reaches the popularity of NBA in US and Canada and European countries. Sepak Takraw is already a well-known game being played in Canada, which has a very good team for competitions. They also have their very own Takraw clubs to nurture new talent in this growing sport. With the game emerging in Canada there are chances it may become popular in US too. Germany also has a Sepak Takraw team that reached the quarterfinals in Thailand some years back. Once Takraw reaches the European quarters this upcoming sport can thrill spectators all over the world.

Takraw has lots of similarities to a Chinese game called ‘cuju’ which means to kick the ball. In Canada where it has found popularity, it is a precursor to it is gaining some interest in other western countries also. To keep up with the times, the modern version of the game has three players on each side. Using a space, the size of a badminton court, the two teams of three players each are separated by a net. Once the game begins, it is a combination of volleyball and soccer. Players learn to kick the ball and serve it in various interesting ways. Already there are some expert players using kicking hoops with both feet and spiking the ball. The game is safe enough for children to play also. But as with other sports injuries can happen and guidance is needed for children. The sport can be played indoors or outdoors. The game promises to be fun for the amateurs and professionals. Although there is still time for it to become accepted at the national level, it is a clean game. Hey, would you like to play the game solo in your backyard. Yes, you can kick start it with a lovely colored rattan ball. If neighbors are watching you, they may be just tempted to join in the fun.

Rate this article:

Bad

Good

Article comments:

No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!

Return to top of the page