Las Vegas, Oct 7: The humble Sepak Takraw is going global.
Soon the kick volleyball played between two teams consisting of two, three, or four players on each team would be showcased to the American public via the All Sports Television Network.
This arrangement was made possible after an agreement was inked between the network to showcase the Sepak Takraw League (STL) broadcasted by Malaysia’s Astro Arena.
“We are truly thrilled to introduce Sepak Takraw to the American public,” All Sports President Roger Neal Smith said.
“Broadcasting the matches further accomplishes our goal of opening the sporting world doors to American fans, which allows them to begin experiencing events from around the world.”
The same sentiment was also echoed by Astro Head of Sports Lee Choong Khay.
“We’re excited that this spectacular sport is gaining the international recognition that it deserves,” Lee said.
“Astro Arena’s homegrown STL has been a local favourite for the past eight seasons while attracting regional viewership and participation in the past few seasons.
“Through STL, we continue to work with sport ministries in Malaysia to develop the sport and it’s athletes.
“The league features competition of the highest level which will excite fans and new viewers to the sport.
“With STL being shown for the first time in another region through All Sports, we hope to grow more fans and new athletes of Sepak Takraw,” he concluded.
Explainer on Sepak Takraw:
Sepak Takraw is a sport that uses a plastic or rattan ball approximately 5.5 inches in diameter.
The sport is similar to badminton, which uses a net that is five feet high, a volleyball, which allows players up to three touches before having to return the ball to the other side and soccer, which allows players to touch the ball with their legs, body and head, but not their arms or hands.
Sepak Takraw is especially popular in Southeast Asia, where it is one of the most viewed sports in the region.
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