International Students Introduce Their Sports Cultures
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 15th 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.
What is the most popular sport in your country?
Ice hockey is the most popular sport in Canada. People experience ice hockey from childhood. At school, we have a mandatory sports class and I know that, especially in elementary school, most students can choose between ice hockey and ice skating in the winter season. Also, there are leagues for kids to play ice hockey.
Are there any events or festivals that celebrate ice hockey?
Seven teams in Canada participate in the National Hockey League (NHL) with U.S. teams. Whenever the winter season comes, people enjoy watching the NHL. In addition to the regular season, there is also the Stanley Cup playoff in which the top eight teams from the Eastern and Western Conferences of the NHL compete. These are some of the most popular ice hockey events.
Who is the most famous star of this sport in Canada?
The most popular star is Sidney Crosby. As team captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, he won the Stanley Cup three times. He won gold medals at the 2010 Vancouver and 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics as a member of Team Canada. Also, he won the Ice Hockey World Championship.
Are there any sports that students are required to learn in your country?
In Portugal, physical education (PE) classes are mandatory until the 12th grade, although students are not required to specialize in any particular sport. Since football is undoubtedly Portugal’s most famous sport, many students enjoy playing football. In PE class, students also learn various sports such as basketball, volleyball and badminton.
What values have you learned from sports?
I experienced many sports through school PE class. While practicing different sports, I have learned the importance of teamwork, discipline, compassion, patience, diligence and hard work. Playing sports contributes to good physical and mental health and teaches such important values.
Do you think it is important to learn and play sports in school?
Since, in Portugal, your performance in PE classes affects your grade average, it can also be discouraging. The students might feel discouraged if they struggle with a certain sport, since they know it will affect their grade. I believe a better way to move forward would be to simply focus on the enjoyment of practicing sports without it influencing students’ grades.
By Choi Daniel, Editor-in-Chief