Takraw at The Asian Games 2010

Many Asian countries have their own Takraw competitions, albeit, some under different names and variations. Burma for instance have a national sport called Chinlone where, a similar ball (but of the traditional Rattan is used - this is played in a circle not on a court.)

In 1960, representatives from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Lao and Thailand met in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to standardise the rules and regulations for the game. They reached a compromise and officially named the sport sepak takraw. They also formed the Asian Sepak Takraw Federation, or ASTAF, and translated the rules into English, setting the stage for the first international competition, held in Malaysia in 1965, at the South-east Asian Peninsular Games, or SEAP Games, the predecessor to today’s South-east Asian Games, or SEA Games.

In 1990 Sepak Takraw became an official Asian Games sport in 11th Asian Games, Beijing.

It is still going strong and is growing globally by the day.

Takraw is one of the fastest growing sports all over the globe let alone Asia. It can and is played by both Men and Women. The acrobatics, spins, kicks and martial art-like moves, always astound the spectator, and is such an amazing sport to watch.

For more information on the upcoming 2010 Asian Games

The UK Takraw Association, feel it is only a matter of time before South-east Asia’s favourite sport rightfully joins other sports at the Olympic Games.