All you need to know about the sport 'Sepak takraw'
India men's Sepak takraw team scripted history by winning the bronze medal at the ongoing 2018 Asian Games, being held at Indonesia. Despite losing to Thailand 0-2 in the semi-finals, the team was assured of a medal. The sport is prominent among Southeast Asian nations. It is also known as kick volleyball. Here's all that you need to know about this entertaining sport.
Sepak takraw a traditional sport in Southeast Asia
Sepak is a Malay word for kick and takraw is a Thai word that means woven ball. The ball is spherical in nature and is made from synthetic fibre. The sport has been a part of the Asian Games since 1990. Thailand is the most dominating team in Asia, as far as this sport is concerned. A team generally comprises of three players.
Important facts about Sepak takraw
The court where the game is played is similar to the size of a badminton court. The court is 13.4 m long, 6.1 m wide and the net shouldn't be more than 1.52 m in height. Like volleyball, the sport can be played both indoors and on the beach. There are 4 types of Sepak takraw games- circle, double regu, regu and team.
Vital information about the sport
Although similar to volleyball, this sport can only be played with feet, knee, head and chest. The regu (team) that gets to serve first, starts the first set. The side that wins the first set, gets to choose the service from there on. A team is allowed maximum of three touches before sending the ball to the opponent's half.
Crucial rules on how the game is played
The service is deemed valid if the ball passes the net and stays inside the boundary line. Meanwhile, change of sides take place after a team reaches eight points. In team events, there is a maximum of three sets. A team has to get to 21 points and also have a 2-point lead. Serve change occurs after every three points.
How does the sport figure and who governs it?
International Sepak Takraw Federation governs the sport. Major competitions, that are held under the body, are the ISTAF World Cup and ISTAF Super Series. Besides Asian Games, the sport is also played in Southeast Asian Games. Sepak takraw is not yet played in Olympics. In India, the Sepak Takraw Federation is based in Nagpur.
