Beach Games: New twist to ancient Asian sport in Bali
SANUR, Indonesia (AFP) — Both Thailand and Malaysia claim to have originated sepaktakraw in the early 1400s and rivalry in the highly skilled game is fierce throughout Southeast Asia.
But the indoor sport has a new twist here in Bali, being played outside on hot sand at the inaugural Asian Beach Games.
The concept means the top teams have all had to adjust, throwing the competition wide open.
“Beach sepaktakraw is twice as challenging as the indoor sport,” said Indonesian coach Asri Syam.
“We don’t wear shoes, we play on a hot sand surface and that provides very tough conditions.”
A cross between volleyball and soccer, it is hugely popular in Southeast Asia and even has a following in the United States, although the rules tend to mystify Westerners.
“I don’t know what I’m watching and I’ve no idea what the rules are, but it’s exciting,” said Australian tourist Gemma Hill who was peeking through the wire fence to catch a free glimpse of the action.
Whoever emerges victorious here will claim bragging rights for the next two years, meaning winning is a high priority for the neighbouring countries.
The sport has sparked interest in Bali with its dazzling display of acrobatic twists, turns and body swerves.
Even overhead kicking aficionado Ronaldinho would be envious of the elasticity and agility of the sepaktakraw teams, who effectively play foot volleyball.
But the event here isn’t without controversy; the Indian men’s team were disqualified because they arrived late, meaning Group B only consists of Indonesia and South Korea.
The Indonesia men’s team overcame the Koreans 21-18, 21-12 in their first preliminary game and beat them again 21-14, 21-12 to ensure they top their group and play Group B runner-up Myanmar in the semi-finals.
Thailand, who have won 10 golds at the Asian Games, topped their group after beating Malaysia 21-11, 21-8 then overcoming Myanmar 21-18, 21-15 before Myanmar shocked Malaysia to grab the runner-up spot.
Along with Thailand, hosts Indonesia are seen as favourites, but the Thais are missing Suebsak Phunsueb — arguably the finest male server in the sport’s history and a household name at home.
His horse-kick serves have been recorded at a whopping 160 kilometres per hour (100 miles per hour).
Sepaktakraw made its international debut at a multi-sport event during the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing where Malaysia won two gold medals.
The sport is played with a hand-woven ball (takraw) with points scored by hitting it above the net and into the court as the opposing players attempt to block.
Kicks, often performed mid-air at shoulder height, form the basis of the game. No hands are allowed but feet, legs, shoulders and head can be used to keep the ball in play.
Players routinely spike the ball, turning acrobatic somersault movements or bicycle kicks in mid-air to keep the ball in play.
The team final is on Tuesday.
Source: http://afp.google.com/article/
Add comment October 21st, 2008