Sepak Takraw is a team sport popular in many Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, and Thailand. The concept of the game is very similar to Volleyball. The major difference is that hands are not used to hit the ball. Sepak Takraw players use their legs and their head to hit the ball. Sepak Takraw literally means “kick basket.” In simple terms, it can be called as kick ball. The game has a long history in Malaysia and Thailand. It has been a part of the Asian Games. The popularity of the game is geographically limited to the Southeast Asian countries. Clubs are being established in countries such as Canada and United States.

Sepak Takraw was played in ancient Thailand as well. It spread to other Southeast Asian countries such as Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The game is referred to by different names in different countries. In Indonesia it is called “Raga”, in Myanmar it is called as “Chinlone”, in the Philippines it is called as “Sipa”, in Thailand it is called Takraw, and in Malaysia it is called as “Sepak Takraw”.

Sepak Takraw is a three a side game played in a court similar to the Volleyball court. Each Sepak Takraw team has one player who gathers the ball, one player who serves the ball, and one player who attacks the ball. The role of an attacker is very similar to the role of a spiker in Volleyball. The Sepak Takraw is played with a round ball made from rattan. Sepak Takraw players control the body like acrobats and kick the ball very hard. Extraordinary physical fitness and flexibility are two of the most important qualities for a successful Sepak Takraw player. The players exhibit extraordinary athletic ability by executing high and powerful kicks. Sometimes they jump high in the air and execute those impressive kicks. A Sepak Takraw player can hit the ball multiple times without being penalized unlike Volleyball.

The most prestigious Sepak Takraw tournament is the King’s Cup World Championship. This is an annual event and all the top teams of the world vie for honors in this tournament. This tournament was started in honor of the king of Thailand. The inaugural tournament was held in Bangkok in 1985 and this tournament was won by Malaysia. Since then, 21 editions of the cup have been held and the local team Thailand has won it 19 times. The Asian Games gold medal is also a matter of pride for the participating countries of Sepak Takraw. The South East Asian Games is another event where Sepak Takraw players participate for top honors. Myanmar has emerged as a powerful force in this sport apart from the traditional super powers like Thailand and Malaysia.