Footvolley
While Asia may be the home of Takraw, there are many other talents from around the world.
Sepak Takraw is without a doubt one of the region’s most popular sports, with Thailand and Malaysia being the dominant nations. But did you know that the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF) – formed in 1988 – has been hard at work to promote the sport in all corners of the world? It is the Federation’s dream and objective to make Takraw an international sport one day, and for this to happen, the sport must be played in at least 50 nations worldwide.
For now, here are some of the countries and their associations that are a member of the proud Takraw international community:
USA’s Takraw Association
Year of formation: 1996
Current world ranking: 10
It began in California when a small group of players formed the USA Takraw Association back in 1996 after the sport had gotten exposure in various media, including Sports Illustrated, MTV and CNN. With a membership of less than 10, they had worked hard to promote and administer the sport. And since then, the US have emerged as one of the best non-Asian Takraw teams. Their current talisman is Tony Ontam who led the men’s doubles team to victory at the prestigious King’s Cup (Division II) last year.
Germany’s Takraw Association
Year of formation: 90’s
Current world ranking: 14
From only a handful of players at the University of Cologne in the early 90’s, there are currently seven Sepak Takraw clubs in Germany. In 2002, the curiously-named Chicken’s Cup tournament was created, and the competition has tremendously helped in giving the sport exposure, even managing to attract teams from Malaysia, Iran, and various European nations including France, Belgium and Switzerland to compete. Germany’s biggest achievement so far was winning the gold medal at the King’s Cup for the men’s Division II regu event.
France’s Takraw Association
Year of formation: 2003
Current world ranking: 18
It began in 2003, when some French nationals who had lived long in Asia laid the foundations for the formation of the Association Francaise de Sepak Takraw. It has become one of the more active Takraw associations in Europe, working hard together with ISTAF to promote the sport regionally with that Olympic goal in mind. The French national team itself has been active internationally, while the Open de France is one of Europe’s biggest tournaments.
Australia’s Takraw Association
Year of formation: 1991
Current world ranking: 23
Sepak Takraw has been competitively played Down Under since 1991, but Australia have shown great progress since the dawn of the new millennium and have consistently contended in international events including the King’s Cup and ISTAF’s World Cup in 2012. The number of players is continuously growing while others travel to Malaysia and Thailand to sharpen their Takraw skills through training stints.
Canada’s Takraw Association
Year of formation: 1993
Current world ranking: Not ranked
Mention Sepak Takraw in Canada, and the name Rick Engel would immediately emerge as the sport’s key pioneer and promoter. Engel first started promoting Takraw in 1993 and formed the Sepak Takraw Association of Canada (STAC) in 1998. A talented player himself, Engel also represented Canada for many years.
Since 1999, STAC have held 10 national championships and have sent teams to over a dozen international tournaments in Asia and Europe. This is an incredible achievement as STAC are not eligible for government funding and mainly survive on corporate sponsorships, membership fees and product sales. Against all odds, Canada have tasted success in tournaments like the King’s Cup.
Switzerland’s Takraw Association
Year of formation: 2000
Current world ranking: 21
Like most other European countries, Sepak Takraw was first introduced here when those who had travelled to Thailand became fascinated by this action-filled sport and brought home a few Takraw balls to start playing in their respective communities. One of those early enthusiasts was Reto Loeliger, who also founded the Sepak Takraw Club Switzerland. With passionate leadership, Switzerland became the first European team to compete in the King’s Cup in 2000, where they came in last. In 2003, they also started the Swiss Open, a well-respected tournament now. Today, Switzerland are ranked 21st in the world.
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