Takraw in Thailand: The High-Flying Martial Art of Kick Volleyball

31 май 2025 г.

Thailand is home to some of the world’s most exciting sports, but few are as unique—or as jaw-dropping—as takraw, also known as sepak takraw. This adrenaline-pumping game blends football, volleyball, and martial arts into a high-flying spectacle of flips, spikes, and gravity-defying kicks.

For travellers looking to explore Thai culture beyond temples and street food, takraw offers a powerful window into Southeast Asia’s sporting soul—rich in history, fierce in competition, and unlike anything you’ve seen before.

What Is Sepak Takraw?

Sepak Takraw, or just “takraw” in Thailand, is played with a lightweight rattan or synthetic ball on a court about the size of a badminton court. But instead of using hands, players use feet, head, knees, and chest to volley the ball over a net.

Each team has three players:

Tekong – The server who starts each rally
Spiker – Executes powerful flips and bicycle kicks
Feeder – Sets up shots and defends

🏐 Fun Fact: The word “takraw” means “woven ball” in Thai, while “sepak” is Malay for “kick”—making sepak takraw literally “kick ball.”

A Brief History of Takraw

Ancient Origins:

Takraw has been played in various forms for over 500 years across Southeast Asia. Early versions involved keeping the ball off the ground in a circle—more a display of skill than competitive sport.

Modern Evolution:

Thailand began formalising takraw rules in the 1940s, transforming it into the fast-paced net sport it is today. In 1965, it debuted at the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), and by the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima, it became an official medal sport.

🎖️ Thailand is considered the powerhouse of takraw—dominating both men’s and women’s categories for decades.

Rules and Gameplay: How Takraw Works

The Court

Same size as a badminton court: 13.4m x 6.1m
Net height: 1.52m (men), 1.42m (women)

The Ball

Made of woven rattan or synthetic fibre
Diameter: 12–13 cm
Weight: 150–170g

Match Structure

Played best of three sets
Each set to 21 points (win by 2)
Three touches per team per rally
No hands allowed!

Player Roles

Tekong – Serves with a powerful foot strike
Spikers – Perform mid-air flips and “roll spikes”
Feeders – Set up plays and block incoming shots

🔥 The iconic “roll spike” is a highlight move where a player somersaults mid-air and strikes the ball down with a deadly kick.

Major Takraw Tournaments in Thailand and Beyond

🏆 The King’s Cup Sepak Takraw World Championship

Held annually in Bangkok since 1985, this is Thailand’s premier takraw event, attracting elite teams from around the globe. Expect fierce rivalries, roaring crowds, and jaw-dropping acrobatics.

🥇 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games

Since its debut in 1965, the SEA Games has been a proving ground for takraw talent. Thailand and Malaysia remain the top contenders, with Indonesia and Vietnam close behind.

🎌 The Asian Games

A global stage where takraw shines brightly. Thailand often dominates, but countries like South Korea and Malaysia pose strong challenges with their tactical gameplay and aerial skill.

Legendary Takraw Players to Know

Thailand has produced some of the sport’s greatest stars:

Suebsak Phunsueb – A takraw icon known for his explosive spikes and agility; SEA Games gold medallist.
Anuwat Chaichana – Renowned for precision spiking and clutch performances in international finals.
Hazreen Hazali (Malaysia) – One of Thailand’s fiercest rivals, celebrated for defence and tactical play.

🧠 These athletes are often compared to martial artists, thanks to their reflexes, aerial control, and disciplined movement.

Takraw Around the World: Thailand vs The Field

While Thailand leads in takraw, it faces strong competition from:

Malaysia – Longtime rival and technical powerhouse.
South Korea – Tactical gameplay and consistent medal wins.
Vietnam – Agile and quick-footed with solid team coordination.
Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines – Growing programs and rising stars.

⚔️ Thailand vs Malaysia matches are legendary—expect packed stadiums and edge-of-your-seat drama.

Where Travellers Can Watch or Play Takraw in Thailand

Local Courts and Parks

Head to Lumphini Park (Bangkok) or schoolyards in Chiang Mai and Isaan provinces.
Locals often welcome travellers to watch—and occasionally join in!

Major Tournaments

King’s Cup (Bangkok) – Held annually, open to the public.
SEA Games/Asian Games – If timed right, you can catch world-class play live in Thailand or neighbouring countries.

Try It Yourself

Some Thai sports clubs and community centres offer intro sessions.
The Thailand Sepak Takraw Association occasionally hosts workshops and beginner classes.

👟 No gear? No problem. Many places lend you a ball and teach the basics in minutes. Just be ready to kick high!

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Takraw in Thailand

Takraw isn’t just a game—it’s a visual spectacle, a test of physical mastery, and a cultural legacy that continues to thrive across the region. Whether you’re a sports lover, a cultural explorer, or just want to witness something unforgettable, watching (or playing) takraw is a must while you’re in Thailand.

📸 Bring your camera—those mid-air roll spikes are pure Instagram gold.

Have You Seen or Tried Takraw?

We want to hear your stories. Have you watched a match in Thailand? Tried a roll spike? Share your experience in the comments or tag @NavigateThailand on social media!

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