Medicine Hat to host national Sepak Takraw championship

One of Canada’s most acrobatic sports is coming to Medicine Hat next month as the city hosts the national men’s Sepak Takraw championship.

The tournament takes place Sept. 5 at the Big Marble Go Centre Gym, with matches tentatively scheduled from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The championship finals are expected to take place during the final three hours.

Sepak Takraw is often described as kick volleyball or soccer-volleyball. Teams of three compete on a badminton-sized court, with players allowed to use their feet, legs, heads and bodies, but not their hands or arms, to send a hand-woven ball over the net.

The sport is known for spectacular athleticism, including backflips, handstands, high-flying spikes and airborne blocks.