Sepak Takraw: Finding a foothold in India

August 02, 2009

When you think of a synthetic ball, a net and some highflying athleticism what does your imagination conjure up? No, it’s not volleyball. And it’s not football or basketball either. Believed to be have been played in the Mallaca Sultanate in the 15th century, this game is fast finding favour in India. Does the name Sepak Takraw ring a bell?

Sepak Takraw is the native sport of South East Asian countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Laos, Philippines and Indonesia. Not only is it unique, it sports different names across Southeast Asia. In Malaysia, its sometimes called Sepak Raga whereas in Thailand its known as Takraw. Indonesia calls it Rago while Myanmar refers to it as Ching Loong.

In India, Sepak Takraw was first introduced as a demonstration sport in the 1982 Asian Games held in New Delhi. Indira Gandhi, then Prime Minister of India and the guest of honour, took special interest in this game and she was later introduced to players and officials by Sepak Takraw Federation of India. The demonstration game was telecast live on Indian television.

Even though the game is in a nascent stage, the medal tally speaks a different story. According to Delhi Sepak Takraw Association of India President Yoginder Dahiya, world championships are organized every year in Thailand but this year was very special. “At the 2009 King’s Cup held in Thailand the Indian Sepak Takraw team won 6 medals.

The men’s team secured three medals including a gold, silver and bronze and the women clinched three bronze. Moreover, this game is doing very well at the junior, sub-junior and senior levels. This is indeed very encouraging for the sport,” he said.

Sepak Takraw is played pro-actively is the north-eastern states, especially, Manipur. No wonder, Manipur Sepak Takraw team holds first position at the national level. In addition, this game also throws open job opportunities for players. “Currently, the Manipur national team is number one followed by Delhi’s men’s team. In South India, Andhra Pradesh is promising, as they have also incorporated this game in educational institutions and are offering a 5% relaxation to players. Besides, they also get jobs with the paramilitary forces,” added Mr Dahiya.

But for a sport to gain traction and popularity, the government should provide proper facilities, promote it at the grass roots level and attract sponsorships. Says Preeti Arora, coach of Sepak Tekraw team for women: “There is no publicity for the sport and that is why it has not been able to attract sponsorships. We have given a proposal to Sports Authority of India to promote this game at the school level and our efforts will bear fruit.”

Agrees Yoginder Dahiya when he says, “We want the government of India to promote this sport. Since this is a relatively new sport, corporate houses are wary of sponsoring and popular games like Cricket mop up all sponsorships. Players feel their future is not secure as the game is still being played on an entertainment level and not professionally.” But he is optimistic about its future. “If the government provides monetary support we can do wonders and win more medals.”

According to the secretary general of Sepak Takraw Federation of India Salim Baig, the major roadblock is the supply of balls. “In India, the facilities we have for badminton can be utilized for playing Sepak Takraw as we have indoor and outdoor courts. However, the only problem is the supply of balls, which are mostly manufactured in Malaysia and Thailand and have to be imported on regular basis,” he said. When it comes to entertainment, this game scores additional brownie points.

“It’s definitely an entertaining sport with the combined skills of soccer, volleyball, baseball, badminton, gymnastics and the ancient sport of Sepak Raga on display. Truly a delight to watch especially the bicycle shots which enthralls the onlooker,’ added Preeti Arora. SAI coach for Delhi Sepak Takraw team Hemraj felt if the government provides more job opportunities the game will flourish.

“The future is bright for the sport. After SAI adopted this game in 2000, people started recognizing it. But talent will emerge only if the government supports and provides job opportunities to players,” he said.

Dahiya echoes a similar view: “The game is growing by the day and now it is being promoted at the school level too. University level talks are on and hopefully in future it will also be included,” he said.