‘Volleyball with feet’ incredible spectacle

YOU might have never heard of it before today, but the sport of sepak takraw is hugely popular in Asia, where it has been played for centuries.

While it is unclear exactly where it originated, it has strong roots in a number of South-East Asian countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. But, what is it? The most basic description – and the one most commonly used to describe the sport to those hearing about it for the first time – is “volleyball with your feet”.

But that label doesn’t do the incredible spectacle of the sport any justice.

One that does get a little closer is the description offered by English-language sepak takraw analyst Drew Lilley, who said: “It’s as close as any ball sport will ever get to a martial art”.

Lilley’s description, while still not perfect, alludes to the sport’s obscure nature and the crazy athleticism and skills required.

I must admit, I was enthralled by the sport after seeing it for the first time via highlights compilations on YouTube.

But while the flashy flips and powerful kicks left my bottom jaw on the floor, my hip flexors and groin muscles were throbbing in silent disapproval.

The sport is battling to secure a place on the Olympic program, with the International Sepak Takraw Federation hopeful of its addition as early as 2024.

It’s an exciting opportunity for players from all over the world, who insist the sport deserves its place, calling it the fastest-growing sport in Asia.

And, truth be told, there are at least a couple of Olympic sports that provide less entertainment and spectacle during their lifetime than a single point of sepak takraw.

WHILE THE FLASHY FLIPS AND POWERFUL KICKS LEFT MY BOTTOM JAW ON THE FLOOR, MY HIP FLEXORS AND GROIN MUSCLES WERE THROBBING IN SILENT DISAPPROVAL ROWAN SPARKES