Sepaktakraw players at the prize distribution ceremony of the Independence Day Championship at Sindh Agriculture University. PHOTO: SINDH SEPAKTAKRAW
Mirpur Khas Club won the girls’ title at Jashne Azadi Sepaktakraw Championship at the Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam.
Meanwhile, boys’ event was won by Karachi Club.
There were four teams of boys and girls who participated in the championship, which was organised by the Hyderabad Sepaktakraw Association.
Sepaktakraw is a southeast Asian sport and incorporates elements of volleyball and martial arts. The sport has been gaining momentum in Pakistan for over a decade.
While, the grassroots events help promote the game, Pakistan national team competes at Sepaktakraw World Cup and Asian Games.
According to the Olympic Council of Asia, “Sepaktakraw or kick volleyball is a sport from the southeast Asia, with similarities like Volleyball which is played with hand but Sepak takraw is played with feet, knee, head, and chest.
A match is played by two regus (teams) each made up of three players.
The regus that must serve first shall start the first set, and the side that wins the first set shall have the option of choosing service.
As soon as the Tekong Kicks the ball all the players are allowed to move freely in their respective courts.
“The service is valid if the ball passes over the net, and inside the boundary lines of the opponent, whether it touches the net or not.”
The event at the Sindh Agriculture University, ,the chief guest of the closing ceremony, Anwar Hussain Khanzada, Director Sports, distributed trophies and certificates to the winning teams.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the chief guest Anwar Hussain Khanzada said that I am very happy that the event. He added that we will organize events with the Sindh Sepaktakraw Association in the future as well and our full cooperation with you will be involved in promoting Sepaktakraw.
Noushad Ahmed said that our vision is to organise as many Sepaktakraw events as possible in other cities of Sindh apart from Karachi.
Pakistan Sepaktakraw Federation Secretary General Noushad Ahmed Khan, Sindh Sepaktakraw Association Vice President Dr. Dilip Kumar, Secretary Mirpur Khas Division’s Akhtar Ali, Benazirabad’s Aqeel Ahmed, Hyderabad Division’s Secretary and Organising Secretary Muhammad Khalid, Women’s Wing Member Humaira Rajput and others were present.
Dr. Dilip Kumar thanked all the guests, players, officials and, especially, Khanzada who assured all possible cooperation.