Kerala excels in sepak takraw

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They say Malayalis are quick learners, teach them the weirdest of tricks and they master them in no time — perhaps that is the reason behind the quick progress of Sepak Takraw also called as kick volleyball in the state.

The game, much popular in the north eastern States was introduced in Kerala only around 2007. But, to the surprise of many, Kerala junior girls won bronze at the national championship that was held in the first week of this month at Ahmadabad.

“Being new comers in the sport, it was important to begin training from the sub-junior level and our children have lived up to the expectations,” said A.K. Mohammad Asharaf, secretary of the State association.

“It is the beginning of a giant leap,” he added. And certainly it is, despite being an alien sport to this part of the world, Sepak Takraw is picking up mostly in the northern districts of the state. Most of the Sepak Takraw players come from Palakkad and Kozhikode.

The game has a simple set of rules though not easy to demonstrate. There are two categories, namely ‘Regu’, which involves three players and then the ‘team event’ which is three ‘Regu’ put together.

“A ball used of rattan is used in play and like volleyball it has to be served across the net and the players are allowed to use their feet and head to control it and kick it into the opponent’s court to gain a point,” said Asharaf.

But, unlike volleyball, the sport requires good acrobatic skills and great reflexes. However, the game is yet to be accepted by the State sports council and hence the players, even if they win medals at the nationals do not get due recognition from the authorities.

Says C.R. Asokan, who was coach of the sub-junior Kerala team that came third in the nationals, “We have taken it up with the State government and if things go as planned, the sport will get affiliated to the council this year. As of now, at least 10 districts have set up teams.”

“We need specialised training and as part of our vision to promote the game, two of our senior players have been sent to a coaching camp at NIS Imphal. The game is still in its evolving stage in the State but, we are hopeful of a good show once it gets the State’s nod,” said Asokan.

It is learnt that the new sports minister K.B. Ganeshkumar has asked the association to organise a demonstration of the game to premare for the sports affiliation to the sports council. Meanwhile, it is always nice to accommodate new sports, isn’t it?

Sepak takraw

*Sepak Takraw literally means 'kick ball'. It is a regular sport in the Asian Games and the South Asian Games but, not an Olympic event.

*Each team has three playing members and two substitutes. A game includes three sets and the best of three is taken into account.

*Sepak Takraw is played in a court of 13.4 m X 6.1 m dimension. A circle will be in the centre of the court from where the service is delivered. The height of the net is 1.52 m.