In the know

Sepak takraw is a sport native to Southeast Asia. It uses a rattan ball and allows players to use only their feet, knee, chest and head to touch the ball.

In the Philippines, it is also known as “sipa.” It was the country’s national sport until it was replaced by arnis in 2009. Sepak takraw is included in the country’s elementary and high school curriculum.

“Sepak” is the Malay word for kick and “takraw” is the Thai word for a woven ball.

International play is now governed by ISTAF, the International Sepak Takraw Federation. Major competitions such as the ISTAF SuperSeries, the ISTAF World Cup and the King’s Cup World Championships are held every year.

Sepak takraw is a regular sport event in the Asian Games and the Southeast Asian Games.

There are two types of event categories: the regu and the doubles regu. The regu category is played by three players on each team while the doubles regu is played by two players on each team.

Sepak takraw is played on a court similar to a double-sized badminton court. The net is made of fine ordinary cord or nylon with 6 cm to 8 cm mesh similar to a volleyball net. —WIKIPEDIA