National Sepak Takraw championship brings eight teams to Medicine Hat this weekend

One of the Medicine Hat competitors is Knoukham Keomanivong, who will play for Medicine Hat’s B team after helping a Medicine Hat squad win the Canadian championship in 2024.

Sepak Takraw is commonly described as kick volleyball, with teams of three players competing on a badminton-sized court, with each side allowed three touches to get a hand-woven ball over the net.

Players cannot use their hands or arms, instead relying on their feet, legs, head and other parts of the body to serve, set and attack.

Keomanivong said the decision to enter two Medicine Hat teams this year has meant extra preparation as players adjust to new teammates.

“We have to practice every day,” Keomanivong said.

He said hosting the national tournament is particularly meaningful because it gives local players a chance to welcome competitors from across the country to Medicine Hat.

“For me, this one, I hope that a lot of people come to; I hope that [this] is good feedback for us,” Keomanivong said.

The sport is popular throughout Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Keomanivong said he hopes the tournament will help introduce more people in Medicine Hat to the sport and show visiting teams what the local Sepak Takraw community can offer.

“I would like to show up because we are original Thailand,” he said.

Keomanivong is confident Medicine Hat can contend for the championship, saying he has played against many of the competitors from other cities and knows their strengths.

“I think it’s 100 per cent,” Keomanivong said when asked how confident he was heading into the tournament.

Keomanivong is hoping to see Medicine Hat’s A team take the championship, while he and his B team aim to challenge for a top-three finish.

“For me, I hope it’s fine if I get the second or third,” he said.

The tournament will also serve as an opportunity for players to earn consideration for Team Canada.

The top-finishing teams and players will be eligible for selection to compete at the 2027 King’s Cup Sepak Takraw World Championships in Thailand, pending sufficient sponsorship.

Organizers said the sport receives no government funding or grants and relies on volunteers and event sponsorships.

Keomanivong said the national tournament is about more than winning, however, emphasizing the importance of fair play and following the rules.

“I hope every team we have to play don’t think about ‘we only want to win.’ We have to be fair to play with other people, follow the rules of Sepak Takraw,” Keomanivong said.

Admission is free, although donations are accepted at the door.

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READ: Medicine Hat to host national Sepak Takraw championship

by Jett Schwaier

National Sepak Takraw championship brings eight teams to Medicine Hat this weekend

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