'Sepak Raga' was the name of an ancient game played in the
Malay states and in the neighboring countries of Singapore and Brunei. 'Sepak'
is Malay for "kick" and 'Raga' is the "rattan ball" used
in the game, which involved players standing in a circle keeping the 'Raga'
in the air for as long as possible without using their hands. Variations of
this were played in other Southeast Asian countries too; in Thailand it was
called "Takraw", in the Philippines, "Sepa Sepa", in Myanmar,
"Ching Loong", in Indonesia, "Rago" and in Laos, "Kator".
Modern Sepak Takraw, or Takraw for short (also known as Kick Volleyball), began
in Malaysia and is now their national sport. It combines elements of Soccer,
Footbag, Volleyball, Baseball, Badminton, Gymnastics and the ancient sport of
Sepak Raga. Balls woven of rattan stems have primarily been replaced by woven
synthetic balls, which are much safer and more durable.
