The New Indian Express ·
Asian Games: India's Sepaktakraw teams seeking kick & top service
CHENNAI: Sepaktakraw in India is enjoying a good phase from 2025. After winning a slew of events (seven medals in ISTAF World Cup 2025 in Bihar and gold in men’s quadrant event in Asian Championships this year), India made their first significant attempt to crack the duopoly held by traditional powerhouses Malaysia and Thailand. In August’s Thai King’s Cup – an event equal to the sport’s world championship – the quadrant team put on a spirited fight in their 15-9, 9-15, 9-15 loss to Thailand in the semifinals. With that bronze medal, India had momentum on their side this year.
Currently camping at the Sports Authority of India's Sonepat Centre, the players had an overseas exposure trip as well. Given the preparations they have, chief coach and former player Sandeep Saroha is optimistic of a good performance. The men’s team hopes to put on a better show than they did in 2023, where their campaign ended in group stages. However, both Malaysia and Thailand, will be keen to maintain the status quo as the game’s big two. “Practice should never end. India is getting into the top 4 despite the sport being popular in Southeast Asia. With titles from the previous year, India has improved a lot,” Saroha told this daily.
As the team prepares to leave for Japan – they were given their kits by former treasurer of Sepaktakraw Federation of India and Haryana Sepaktakraw association secretary Shamsher Singh Saroha – the players, staff and coaches are optimistic of a good show. “There are major events in which India has played well across categories. They have prepared well and hope to put on a good show,” he said.
