Sepak Takraw

Sepak Takraw is a sport invented in various countries of South-East Asia over the past few hundred years, the last 50 years has seen the introduction of a set of rules and laws.

In a nutshell, Sepak Takraw is basically 'Football-Tennis'. You use a small football on a Badminton court and the rules are like Volleyball. You can also utilise some martial art skills by doing some cocky scissor-kicks, flying monkey headers and the fabled 'Shin-Flick'.

Takraw World is a great site to learn more about this game. There's history, rules, the equipment you need and information on tournaments and stuff. The 18th King's Cup Sepaktakraw World Championship's were held in June 2003. Both the men's and women's events were won by Thailand - they look like the top dogs in this game.

Shockingly, the UK did not send a team over to compete. I realise most of the UK professional players cannot use their left foot, juggle a ball for more than 10 kicks and find it hard to keep any shot below Row Z, but have a word!

If you're from the UK, can juggle a ball and launch into a scissors-kick at will, then we need to get together. Even if we can't represent the UK then an independent Shiola.com team should be put together. Frank Worthington has already said he wants to play. I'm also hoping to get Jan Molby and Sammy Lee on board as well - they better have reinforced flooring in Thailand!

This game almost looks better than Football itself, plus you don't have your PE teacher telling you to stop playing Football on the Tennis courts. Sepak Takraw is a wicked game and my life is now dedicated to becoming a Jedi Black Belt Guru Master in the discipline.

Actually, just found the contact details for the Great Britain Sepak Takraw Team - Click here. If you're from another country then just go to the Takraw World site and click on 'Playing Countries' on the left-hand menu.

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