Takraw, officially known as Sepak Takraw, is a team sport native to Southeast Asia that combines elements of volleyball and soccer. It is played on a court similar to a badminton court, with a net dividing two teams, each typically consisting of three players.
The unique aspect of Takraw is that players are forbidden from using their hands or arms to touch the ball. Instead, they use their feet, knees, chest, and head to control and propel a lightweight ball, traditionally made of woven rattan or plastic, over the net and into the opponent’s court.
The objective of the game is similar to volleyball: to score points by making the ball touch the ground on the opponent’s side of the court or by causing the opposing team to commit a fault (e.g., failing to return the ball over the net within three touches, hitting it out of bounds, or using hands). The sport demands exceptional agility, flexibility, coordination, and acrobatic skills, leading to spectacular displays of athleticism.
