Patna: Once considered a niche sport restricted to India’s Northeastern states, Sepak Takraw has stepped onto a bigger stage — the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), Bihar 2025 — marking a pivotal moment in its growing national appeal.
This is no overnight feat. India’s back-to-back medals in the 2018 and 2022 Asian Games and a historic gold medal win by the Indian men’s regu team at the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) World Cup have laid a solid foundation. Now, Bihar — once an unlikely hub for the sport — finds itself at the centre of this transformation.
Dr Karunesh Kumar, a former India international and the competition manager for KIYG Bihar 2025, hailed the sport’s inclusion in the national youth event as a “milestone moment.” He noted that the move is vital not only for enhancing the sport’s visibility but also for positioning Sepak Takraw firmly within India’s sporting mainstream.
“The introduction of Sepak Takraw as a medal sport in the seventh edition of KIYG is vital for the relevance of the sport,” he said. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting sports in India has made Khelo India Games a brand of its own. Being associated with this platform will further enhance the popularity of the sport.”
Bihar’s journey with Sepak Takraw, although relatively new, is striking. Recognised as one of the state’s 14 priority sports in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, Sepak Takraw has since surged in participation. More than 600 players are now actively involved in the sport across districts, fuelled by grassroots efforts and government backing.
At the heart of this rise is not just policy but performance. Bobby Kumar from Bihar was a member of the gold-winning national squad at the ISTAF World Cup. Three more Bihari athletes are now part of the national team, underscoring the state’s growing clout.
The Bihar State Sports Association (BSSA), in collaboration with the state government, has mandated minimum 15-day training camps before major tournaments — a move aimed at raising competitive standards. Dr Kumar’s squad recently wrapped up a 30-day camp, and he is optimistic. “We expect the home team to clinch at least one medal in each of the four categories — doubles, regu, quad, and team,” he said.
With support from the Sports Authority of India’s training centres and the strategic inclusion of Sepak Takraw in KIYG, Bihar 2025 is poised to serve not just as a tournament, but as a launchpad for the sport’s nationwide outreach.
