Sepak takraw is one of the fastest growing sports in Asia, as well as many other parts of the world. The gravity-defying kicks, contorted aerial twists, turns of the body and the blinding speed of play astound spectators worldwide. For most of the past decade, Thailand has dominated international competitions, winning nearly every major event. Malaysia turned the tide at the 2005 Manila SEA Games.
Thailand and Malaysia will remain the teams to beat for the foreseeable future, but other sepak takraw powerhouses such as Myanmar, South Korea, Singapore and Vietnam are closing in quickly. Asian nations are currently lobbying to give the game Olympic Games, so as to attract wider audiences overseas and to give Asia a much-needed boost in the medals table - and it's only a matter of time before the region's beloved pastime takes its rightful place among other sports at the Olympic Games.
Showing posts with label Sepaktakraw Information. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sepaktakraw Information. Show all posts
Monday, February 13, 2012
Sepaktakraw Going Global: Standardising the Rules
Almost every nation that played this game knew it by a different name. In Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, it's called 'sepak raga', whereas in Thailand it's commonly known as 'takraw'. The same game goes by the name of 'sipa' in the Philippines, 'da cau' in Vietnam, 'rago' in Indonesia, and 'kator' in Laos. Since sepak takraw was played and enjoyed in several countries, there were a lot of inconsistencies in terms of how the game was played and judged.
In 1960, representatives from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Lao and Thailand met in Kuala Lumpur to standardise rules and regulations for the game. And after a long and heated debate, consensus was reached that the sport would henceforth be officially called sepak takraw.
They also formed the Asian Sepak Takraw Federation (ASTAF), and translated the rules into English, setting the stage for the first international competition, held in Malaysia in 1965, at the Southeast Asian Peninsular Games, or SEAP Games, the predecessor to today's Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games). This chain of events set the stage for the international development of sepak takraw. However, it was the replacement of the natural rattan ball, which tended to splinter and warp, with the more standardised synthetic plastic ball that really kicked the game's popularity into high gear.
In 1990, sepak takraw was included at the Asian Games in Beijing. Women also got in on the action with the first women's championships in Thailand hosted in 1997. Today, more than 20 countries have national sepak takraw associations with representatives on the board of the global governing body, the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF).
In 1960, representatives from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Lao and Thailand met in Kuala Lumpur to standardise rules and regulations for the game. And after a long and heated debate, consensus was reached that the sport would henceforth be officially called sepak takraw.
They also formed the Asian Sepak Takraw Federation (ASTAF), and translated the rules into English, setting the stage for the first international competition, held in Malaysia in 1965, at the Southeast Asian Peninsular Games, or SEAP Games, the predecessor to today's Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games). This chain of events set the stage for the international development of sepak takraw. However, it was the replacement of the natural rattan ball, which tended to splinter and warp, with the more standardised synthetic plastic ball that really kicked the game's popularity into high gear.
In 1990, sepak takraw was included at the Asian Games in Beijing. Women also got in on the action with the first women's championships in Thailand hosted in 1997. Today, more than 20 countries have national sepak takraw associations with representatives on the board of the global governing body, the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF).
Takraw Glossary
There's a whole bundle of words out there that you won't understand if you're new to that game or sport, if you want :) The pages on my site are written in such way, as I suppose you know what they mean. If you don't, here are some specific words together with the explaination of what they mean.
ASTAF: The acronym for the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation
Block: Blocking is a defensive skill used to counter a spike coming from close to the net. A block is usually made by jumping in the air and raising a leg and/or back to divert the ball back into the opponent's court. A block counts as one contact.
Centre Line: Divides the length of the playing court into two equal halves.
Dig: The act of fielding hard-hit ball successfully, usually a spike or block, to regain control. Eg: The dig by Thailand came at a crucial point in the game.
Dink: A soft hit ball, usually either a "dink serve" or a "dink spike".
Fault: A violation of one of the rules of the game.
Feeder: Person who "sets" the ball to the "spiker".
First Ball: Term used to describe receiving the service by the opposing team.
Formations: Order of play is decided by the toss of a coin. The ceremony involves thereferee and the two team captains. The winning captain chooses either the right to serve first, or the choice of court ("Serve or Side").
ISTAF: The acronym for the International Sepaktakraw Federation
Killer: A common usage to describe the Spiker or a successful spike ball.
Quarter Circle: Place on court where the serving team's forwards (left and right inside players) should remain during the service until the ball has been kicked by the Server.
Regu: A Malaysian word meaning a team. A team comprises four players (three starters and one reserve) is known as a Regu, and a squad of three Regus is known as a Team.
Roll Spike: A spike in which the player jumps with his back to the net, rotates in the air and kicks the ball over the opposite shoulder from the kicking foot with a flip like motion. The most dramatic and popular move in the game.
Sepaktakraw: The name of the game from the words Sepak, a term used in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia which translates into "kick", and Takraw, a term used in Thailand which means "woven ball".
Service Over: When the serving team fails to return the ball over the net or commits a fault. The opposing team becomes the serving team but a point is not awarded.
Serving Circle: A circle located in both halves of the court where the Server is required to be positioned during the service.
Set: A period of play which is concluded when one team reaches 15 points. A match consists of the best of three sets. The third set is played in a six-point tiebreak.
Set or Setting: A high pass by one player to a teammate or to self to enable a spike on the next move.
Service: The act of putting the ball into play by the Server.
Service Toss: A hand throw of the ball by one of the forwards to the Server.
Spike: A powerfully hit shot directed into the opponent's court using either the foot or head.
Sunback Spike: A spike in which the player jumps with his back to the net and kicks the ball over the same shoulder as the kicking foot. In soccer this is known as a "bicycle kick".
Takraw Ball: Traditionally, the ball is made by weaving bamboo or rattan into a spherical shape. In 1982, Marathon Intertrade Co., Ltd. revolutionisedthe sport by introducing woven synthetic (plastic) balls. Today, almost all players around the world are using synthetic takraw balls.
To Begin Play: The game is initiated when one of the forwards tosses the ball to the back player - the "Server" who must keep one foot inside the the serving circle and the other foot outside. The ball must be kicked with the foot outside the circle in one attempt over the net.
Note: A ball hitting the net on the serve is "good".
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ASTAF: The acronym for the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation
Block: Blocking is a defensive skill used to counter a spike coming from close to the net. A block is usually made by jumping in the air and raising a leg and/or back to divert the ball back into the opponent's court. A block counts as one contact.
Centre Line: Divides the length of the playing court into two equal halves.
Dig: The act of fielding hard-hit ball successfully, usually a spike or block, to regain control. Eg: The dig by Thailand came at a crucial point in the game.
Dink: A soft hit ball, usually either a "dink serve" or a "dink spike".
Fault: A violation of one of the rules of the game.
Feeder: Person who "sets" the ball to the "spiker".
First Ball: Term used to describe receiving the service by the opposing team.
Formations: Order of play is decided by the toss of a coin. The ceremony involves thereferee and the two team captains. The winning captain chooses either the right to serve first, or the choice of court ("Serve or Side").
ISTAF: The acronym for the International Sepaktakraw Federation
Killer: A common usage to describe the Spiker or a successful spike ball.
Quarter Circle: Place on court where the serving team's forwards (left and right inside players) should remain during the service until the ball has been kicked by the Server.
Regu: A Malaysian word meaning a team. A team comprises four players (three starters and one reserve) is known as a Regu, and a squad of three Regus is known as a Team.
Roll Spike: A spike in which the player jumps with his back to the net, rotates in the air and kicks the ball over the opposite shoulder from the kicking foot with a flip like motion. The most dramatic and popular move in the game.
Sepaktakraw: The name of the game from the words Sepak, a term used in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia which translates into "kick", and Takraw, a term used in Thailand which means "woven ball".
Service Over: When the serving team fails to return the ball over the net or commits a fault. The opposing team becomes the serving team but a point is not awarded.
Serving Circle: A circle located in both halves of the court where the Server is required to be positioned during the service.
Set: A period of play which is concluded when one team reaches 15 points. A match consists of the best of three sets. The third set is played in a six-point tiebreak.
Set or Setting: A high pass by one player to a teammate or to self to enable a spike on the next move.
Service: The act of putting the ball into play by the Server.
Service Toss: A hand throw of the ball by one of the forwards to the Server.
Spike: A powerfully hit shot directed into the opponent's court using either the foot or head.
Sunback Spike: A spike in which the player jumps with his back to the net and kicks the ball over the same shoulder as the kicking foot. In soccer this is known as a "bicycle kick".
Takraw Ball: Traditionally, the ball is made by weaving bamboo or rattan into a spherical shape. In 1982, Marathon Intertrade Co., Ltd. revolutionisedthe sport by introducing woven synthetic (plastic) balls. Today, almost all players around the world are using synthetic takraw balls.
To Begin Play: The game is initiated when one of the forwards tosses the ball to the back player - the "Server" who must keep one foot inside the the serving circle and the other foot outside. The ball must be kicked with the foot outside the circle in one attempt over the net.
Note: A ball hitting the net on the serve is "good".
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Friday, February 10, 2012
The Sepaktakraw Overview
“Sepak” is Malay for “kick” and “Takraw” is Thai for the “hand-woven ball” that is used. In 1945 enthusiasts added a court and net with the same dimensions as in doubles badminton, and a set of rules similar to volleyball (without using hands or arms) to form a fantastic spectator sport with world championship tournaments held in both Malaysia and Thailand. In western countries it has been mostly Laotian immigrants who have first introduced Takraw to others. Now ASEC INTERNATIONAL is also happy to help introduce, promote and organize this fun and exciting recreational activity/sport!
Player's Positions:
1. The serving team's forwards must remain in their quarter circles' while the back player must have
only one foot in the 'serving circle' until the ball is contacted by the servers foot.
2. The receiving teams players may stand anywhere in their side of the court, but usually the back
player stands just in front of the serving circle with the forwards on either side of him.
3. Players are allowed to move freely on each half of the court once the ball is has been served.
To Begin Play:
The game begins by one of the forwards tossing the takraw ball to the back player. The back player must then kick the ball, with the foot that is outside the serving circle, into the opponent's court in one try (usually with an extended version of the inside kick). The serve is still good if the ball hits the net as it goes into the other half of the court.
Scoring:
1. Only the serving team can make a point.
2. A fault by the team possessing the ball constitutes a loss of serve'.
3. A set is won by scoring 21 points, unless the points are tied 20 -20, then the set shall be decided
on a difference of two points, up to a ceiling of 25 points.
4. A match is won by winning two out of three sets.
5. If each team wins one set, the tie breaker set only goes to 15 points,unless the points are tied 14 -
14, then the set shall be decided on a difference of two points, up to a ceiling of 17 points.
Faults:
1. The back player does not kick the ball over the net on the service toss.
2. The ball falls to the ground inside or outside of the court.
3. The ball is hit more than three times in succession by one side.
4. The ball hits the net but does not go over it.
5. The ball hits the hand or arm of a player.
6. Any part of the body touches, crosses the plane, or goes under the net.
7. The ball rolls on the body or is stalled.
Note: One player may hit the ball twice, or even three times, consecutively. The ball may be hit up to
6 feet outside court's perimeter.
Control:
When receiving a serve, stay low and deflect the oncoming ball upwards (head and thigh shots are highly
effective for this purpose).
Setting:
Setting is a skill which is executed by propelling the ball high above the net to enable the same, or
another, player to smash the ball into the opponent's court. Usually the player with the best ball control is
setter.
Spiking:
After the ball has been set, it can be spiked down into the opponent's court by the spiker's head or foot.
This is the most effective and dramatic move in the sport. Usually one of the forward players is designated
as spiker during the game so that no confusion will arise as to who will spike the ball.
Blocking:
A block is a defensive skill used mainly for the purpose of preventing a spiked ball,that is coming from
above and close to the net, from flying into the defending side. A block is usually made by jumping and
raising the side of one's foot and leg above the net, or by turning and jumping up with the back to the net.
Player's Positions:
1. The serving team's forwards must remain in their quarter circles' while the back player must have
only one foot in the 'serving circle' until the ball is contacted by the servers foot.
2. The receiving teams players may stand anywhere in their side of the court, but usually the back
player stands just in front of the serving circle with the forwards on either side of him.
3. Players are allowed to move freely on each half of the court once the ball is has been served.
To Begin Play:
The game begins by one of the forwards tossing the takraw ball to the back player. The back player must then kick the ball, with the foot that is outside the serving circle, into the opponent's court in one try (usually with an extended version of the inside kick). The serve is still good if the ball hits the net as it goes into the other half of the court.
Scoring:
1. Only the serving team can make a point.
2. A fault by the team possessing the ball constitutes a loss of serve'.
3. A set is won by scoring 21 points, unless the points are tied 20 -20, then the set shall be decided
on a difference of two points, up to a ceiling of 25 points.
4. A match is won by winning two out of three sets.
5. If each team wins one set, the tie breaker set only goes to 15 points,unless the points are tied 14 -
14, then the set shall be decided on a difference of two points, up to a ceiling of 17 points.
Faults:
1. The back player does not kick the ball over the net on the service toss.
2. The ball falls to the ground inside or outside of the court.
3. The ball is hit more than three times in succession by one side.
4. The ball hits the net but does not go over it.
5. The ball hits the hand or arm of a player.
6. Any part of the body touches, crosses the plane, or goes under the net.
7. The ball rolls on the body or is stalled.
Note: One player may hit the ball twice, or even three times, consecutively. The ball may be hit up to
6 feet outside court's perimeter.
Control:
When receiving a serve, stay low and deflect the oncoming ball upwards (head and thigh shots are highly
effective for this purpose).
Setting:
Setting is a skill which is executed by propelling the ball high above the net to enable the same, or
another, player to smash the ball into the opponent's court. Usually the player with the best ball control is
setter.
Spiking:
After the ball has been set, it can be spiked down into the opponent's court by the spiker's head or foot.
This is the most effective and dramatic move in the sport. Usually one of the forward players is designated
as spiker during the game so that no confusion will arise as to who will spike the ball.
Blocking:
A block is a defensive skill used mainly for the purpose of preventing a spiked ball,that is coming from
above and close to the net, from flying into the defending side. A block is usually made by jumping and
raising the side of one's foot and leg above the net, or by turning and jumping up with the back to the net.
Gravity-defying Moves
While there are certain basic rules to sepak takraw, the game varies according to the type of being played, as well as the place where it is being played. In a village, for example, there is often no referee. The winning player is usually the one who puts on the best show.
The intricacy and speed of the methods used to send the ball aloft are sensational. The basics involve the sole kick (using the arch or sole of the foot), the instep kick, knee kick, shin kick, shoulder kick, or head kick. The more advanced maneuvers are cross-legged jump kick, (crossing your left leg over your right and leaping up to kick the ball with the instep of the left foot). Another version is the cross-legged knee kick, for which the player crosses his left leg over his right above the right knee, and then leaps into the air kicking the ball with his right knee.
A spike is much more difficult in sepak takraw than volleyball, because slamming the ball down hard means getting your feet above the net. The movement required is a bit like a bicycle kick in football, jumping and flipping in the air to kick the ball. After a bicycle kick a footballer usually lands on their back, but professional sepak takraw players are athletic enough to execute a spike and land on their feet. A good spike or spiker is often referred to as the 'killer'.
The most breathtaking and difficult of these feats are known as the roll spike, where the player leaps into the air to kick the ball over the opposite shoulder, and the 'sunback' or stingray spike, a similar scissors kick but over the same shoulder. Perhaps the most brutal kick of all is the horse-kick serve, made famous by Thailand's Suebsak Phunsueb, who is widely regarded as the best player in the world. Suebsak has been confounding opponents for a decade by serving the ball to opponents at a blistering pace using the sole of his shoe.
The intricacy and speed of the methods used to send the ball aloft are sensational. The basics involve the sole kick (using the arch or sole of the foot), the instep kick, knee kick, shin kick, shoulder kick, or head kick. The more advanced maneuvers are cross-legged jump kick, (crossing your left leg over your right and leaping up to kick the ball with the instep of the left foot). Another version is the cross-legged knee kick, for which the player crosses his left leg over his right above the right knee, and then leaps into the air kicking the ball with his right knee.
A spike is much more difficult in sepak takraw than volleyball, because slamming the ball down hard means getting your feet above the net. The movement required is a bit like a bicycle kick in football, jumping and flipping in the air to kick the ball. After a bicycle kick a footballer usually lands on their back, but professional sepak takraw players are athletic enough to execute a spike and land on their feet. A good spike or spiker is often referred to as the 'killer'.
The most breathtaking and difficult of these feats are known as the roll spike, where the player leaps into the air to kick the ball over the opposite shoulder, and the 'sunback' or stingray spike, a similar scissors kick but over the same shoulder. Perhaps the most brutal kick of all is the horse-kick serve, made famous by Thailand's Suebsak Phunsueb, who is widely regarded as the best player in the world. Suebsak has been confounding opponents for a decade by serving the ball to opponents at a blistering pace using the sole of his shoe.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Sepaktakraw Court
The playing surface must be flat, horizontal and uniform. The width of the lines bounding the court should be 0.04m measured and drawn inwards from the edge of the court measurements. Court boarders should be at least 10.0 feet (3.0m) away from all obstacles.
- Center Line. The Center line of 1 PI inches should be drawn equally dividing the right and left court.
- Quarter Circles. A corner of each center line, a quarter circle shall be drawn from the side line to the center line with a radius of 3.0 feet measured and drawn outwards from the edge of the 3.0 foot radius.
- The Service Circle. The service circle of 1 foot radius shall be drawn on the left and right court, the center of which is 8 feet from the back line of the court and 10 feet from the side boundary. The Service Circle is measured and drawn outward from the edge of the center of the 1 foot radius.
- Height of the Net. It should be 5 feet, 1 inch at the center.
- Height of the Posts. ISTAF regulations call for the posts to be 5'4". You can use the portable volleyball posts and secure the net to the desired 5"1" height.
- Free Area. An area of 6 feet outside the court boundaries should be free of obstacles.
Sepaktakraw Equipment
Takraw Balls.
Takraw Balls were originally woven from rattan. In 1982 a Thai engineer revolutionized the sport by introducing woven synthetic balls. Today, almost all players around the world use synthetic takraw balls.
How to Select a Takraw Ball for Players:
Weight: Takraw balls range in weight from 140 grams to 200 grams. Normally younger and beginner players start with lighter balls and move up in weight. For advanced players the optimal weight for advanced Sepak Takraw balls is 175 grams. Some people use heavier balls for additional spring or when playing outdoors in order to minimize the effect of the wind.
The Weave: The tightness of the weave of takraw balls determine the spring, bounce and speed. A "soft" ball has less bounce. A "hard" ball will have maximum bounce.
Official Takraw Balls: The official ISTAF Sepak Takraw ball for Tournament play for men is the: Marathon MT201, and for women is the: Marathon MT201 Jr
Footwear.
In Takraw, the most important piece of equipment, with the exception of ball, is the athletes footwear. Most players prefer to kick in court shoes. They are popular mainly because of their support and flat surface at the instep, unlike the flared sole of a running shoe.
Popular makes/models include:
Nanyang
Adidas "Stan Smith"
Converse "All Star"
In general, any lightweight athletic footwear with a flat instep will work efficiently. Players often must develop a feel for their desired footwear by trial and error.
The Posts
The posts shall be 1.55 m, or 5 ft 1 inch (1.45 m, or 4 ft 9 inches, for women) in height from the floor and shall be sufficiently firm to maintain high net tension. They should be made from strong materials and shall not be more 0.04 m, or 1 1/2; inches, in radius. The posts shall be erected or placed firmly 0.3 m, or 1 ft, outside the sideline boundary and directly in line with the centre line.
The Net
The net shall be made of fine ordinary cord or nylon with 0.06 m to 0.08 m, or 2 1/2; to 3-inch, mesh. The net shall be 0.7m, or 2 ft 4 inches, in height (top to bottom) and not shorter than 6.10 m, or 20 ft, in width (side to side). The net shall be edged on both sides along the sideline edges from top to bottom with 0.05 m, or 2-inch, tape, and shall be called Boundary Tape.
The net shall also be edged with at least 0.05 m, or 2-inch, tape on both sides along the top and bottom, and shall be supported by a fine ordinary cord or nylon cord that runs through the tape and is tightened at the posts. The top of the net shall be 1.52 m, or 5 ft, (1.42 m, or 4 ft 8 inches, for women) in height from the floor at centre court and 1.55 m, or 5 ft 1 inch (1.45 m, or 4 ft 9 inches, for women) at the posts.
Takraw Balls were originally woven from rattan. In 1982 a Thai engineer revolutionized the sport by introducing woven synthetic balls. Today, almost all players around the world use synthetic takraw balls.
How to Select a Takraw Ball for Players:
Weight: Takraw balls range in weight from 140 grams to 200 grams. Normally younger and beginner players start with lighter balls and move up in weight. For advanced players the optimal weight for advanced Sepak Takraw balls is 175 grams. Some people use heavier balls for additional spring or when playing outdoors in order to minimize the effect of the wind.
The Weave: The tightness of the weave of takraw balls determine the spring, bounce and speed. A "soft" ball has less bounce. A "hard" ball will have maximum bounce.
Official Takraw Balls: The official ISTAF Sepak Takraw ball for Tournament play for men is the: Marathon MT201, and for women is the: Marathon MT201 Jr
Footwear.
In Takraw, the most important piece of equipment, with the exception of ball, is the athletes footwear. Most players prefer to kick in court shoes. They are popular mainly because of their support and flat surface at the instep, unlike the flared sole of a running shoe.
Popular makes/models include:
Nanyang
Adidas "Stan Smith"
Converse "All Star"
In general, any lightweight athletic footwear with a flat instep will work efficiently. Players often must develop a feel for their desired footwear by trial and error.
The Posts
The posts shall be 1.55 m, or 5 ft 1 inch (1.45 m, or 4 ft 9 inches, for women) in height from the floor and shall be sufficiently firm to maintain high net tension. They should be made from strong materials and shall not be more 0.04 m, or 1 1/2; inches, in radius. The posts shall be erected or placed firmly 0.3 m, or 1 ft, outside the sideline boundary and directly in line with the centre line.
The Net
The net shall be made of fine ordinary cord or nylon with 0.06 m to 0.08 m, or 2 1/2; to 3-inch, mesh. The net shall be 0.7m, or 2 ft 4 inches, in height (top to bottom) and not shorter than 6.10 m, or 20 ft, in width (side to side). The net shall be edged on both sides along the sideline edges from top to bottom with 0.05 m, or 2-inch, tape, and shall be called Boundary Tape.
The net shall also be edged with at least 0.05 m, or 2-inch, tape on both sides along the top and bottom, and shall be supported by a fine ordinary cord or nylon cord that runs through the tape and is tightened at the posts. The top of the net shall be 1.52 m, or 5 ft, (1.42 m, or 4 ft 8 inches, for women) in height from the floor at centre court and 1.55 m, or 5 ft 1 inch (1.45 m, or 4 ft 9 inches, for women) at the posts.
Monday, January 23, 2012
The Sepaktakraw Heritage
Often described as a spectacular blend of volleyball, football, martial arts and gymnastics, Sepaktakraw is, in reality, a sport unlike any other. Astonishingly visceral and explosive, it is one of the toughest games in the world. Demanding lightning reflexes, precise control and fearless, gravity-defying leaps, Sepaktakraw delivers some of the most intense sporting action.
Historical records point to early versions of the sport being played in 16th century Thailand, at the Malaysian royal court a century before that, and even across a wide swathe of the Philipines, Brunei, Myanmar, Indonesia and Laos as far back as the 11th century. The "origin" debate may sometimes evoke strong [assions, but it often obscures reality, namely that the values of the sport resonate right across national divides, and embrace a huge diaspora of Asian cultural traditions.
These cultural threads were finally united in the early 60s, with the establishment of the first codified set of Sepaktakraw playing rules. A first appearance as a medal sport at the South-East Asian Peninsular Games (the forerunner of the South-East Asian Games of SEA Games) materialised in 1965, while the formation of the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) in 1988 was quickly followed by an invitation to join the Olympic Movement at the 10th Asian Games in Beijing in 1990.
Historical records point to early versions of the sport being played in 16th century Thailand, at the Malaysian royal court a century before that, and even across a wide swathe of the Philipines, Brunei, Myanmar, Indonesia and Laos as far back as the 11th century. The "origin" debate may sometimes evoke strong [assions, but it often obscures reality, namely that the values of the sport resonate right across national divides, and embrace a huge diaspora of Asian cultural traditions.
These cultural threads were finally united in the early 60s, with the establishment of the first codified set of Sepaktakraw playing rules. A first appearance as a medal sport at the South-East Asian Peninsular Games (the forerunner of the South-East Asian Games of SEA Games) materialised in 1965, while the formation of the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) in 1988 was quickly followed by an invitation to join the Olympic Movement at the 10th Asian Games in Beijing in 1990.
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