Amirah Ilyana Binti Shamsul Bahri Introduces Sports Culture

The Chonnam Tribune features this section to share the voices of foreign students at Chonnam National University. For this issue, we interviewed students about sports culture in their countries. This gives us the opportunity to share the voices of those who have experienced things that many of us have not. – Ed. 

Could you introduce your country’s traditional sport?
A traditional sport in Malaysia is sepak takraw, which uses the feet, knees, chest and head. It is very similar to a game played in Korea, foot volleyball known as “Jokgu,” but the ball in sepak takraw is much smaller and harder than that of Jokgu. Sepak takraw is so dynamic that it appears the players are performing martial arts.

Could you explain the history of sepak takraw?
The name Sepak takraw derived from two different languages, Malay and Thai. “Sepak” in Malay means “to kick.” “Takraw” in Thai means “a woven rattan ball.” It was played in the royal courts in Malaysia during the 15^th century, before it became a popular community sport across Southeast Asia. Sepak takraw is a very well-known and traditional sport in Thailand and Indonesia as well.

Do people still enjoy this traditional sport?
I think a lot of people enjoy playing it. I actually have a classmate in Malaysia who actively participates in Sepak takraw games. Sepak takraw is included in many university competitions. Malaysia is running a professional league called the Speak Takraw League. Also, there are sepak takraw games outside Malaysia, mostly throughout Southeast Asia, in which countries compete with each other.

By Choi Daniel, Editor-in-Chief