Sepak takraw gets spotlight as PH hosts U19 Asian Championship

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines will host the inaugural U19 Asian Sepak Takraw Championship —  a staging that officials hope would “sexify” the sport in the eyes of Filipinos.

The continental showdown to be held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum from November 18 to 25 will feature at least 12 countries that will duke it out in regu and quad events in boys, girls, and mixed divisions.

While sepak takraw is a regular sport in grassroots competitions like the Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy, it continues to knock on the doors of premier collegiate leagues in the Philippines, with Pilipinas Sepak Takraw Association president Karen Caballero admitting to pushing the inclusion of the sport in the UAAP, although to no avail.

But Caballero believes holding the U19 Asian Championship in the country gives sepak takraw a chance to appeal to more Filipinos. 

“If I’m able to bring sepak takraw to the UAAP, I’ll retire the following day as president because I think my job will be done by then. However, it’s still a dream for us,” said Caballero in a mix of Filipino and English in a press conference on Wednesday, February 25. 

“There were initial talks. We presented a deck. That’s why I believe when this U19 happens and we’re able to sexify the sport, make it exciting… then maybe I can go back to the board of directors of the UAAP and present the marketing potential of the sport. It’s innately Filipino and we’re so good at it.” 

Caballero said the search for new talents is already in motion, with the selection process including inter-town and inter-barangay tournaments all over the Philippines. 

The national team is expected to be formed by July, two months after the Palarong Pambansa set in Agusan del Sur in May. 

“Kids from Surigao and Marawi, they play this sport. This is very deeply embedded in our culture,” said Caballero. 

The U19 Asian Championship is one of the many international sports competitions that the Philippines will host this year as Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio doubles down on his drive for sports tourism. 

Aside from the sepak takraw tiff, the Philippines will host the Asian Track Cycling Championships in March and the Karate One Youth League in May. 

“It’s a very colorful and very exciting sport. I think it’s really high time to promote this sport in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia,” said Gregorio of sepak takraw. 

“How can you take away the sport from these young kids who love the sport? It’s only right to support this sport. We can excel in this. I’m sure you all agree with me, this is a beautiful sport.” 

Gregorio said the PSC will soon open a regional training center in Bukidnon that will cater to sepak takraw and boxing. – Rappler.com