India sweeps the board at Sepaktakraw
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The Kolonnawa Sepaktakraw team (from left) Azaan Ahamat, Captain M.Azmin Ahamat, M.Rasheed Jallaldeen and M.F. Khan - Pix by Amila Gamage
India made a clean sweep by winning both the Sepaktakraw men and women’s Tournaments 2015, at the St. Joseph’s College auditorium, Colombo 10. India beat Malay CC 2-0 to win the Regu (Singles) event for men and in the Doubles event India overcame the Kolonnawa Malays 2-0.
Staging the competition in Sri Lanka was a great event. The Sri Lanka Sepaktakraw Association who are in the throes of being recognised by the Sports Ministry. Sepaktakraw is a game similar to volleyball played on a court the size of a badminton court with a rattan ball. Here players have to display their skills, without the use of hands. Spectacular skills are required and often air-borne overhead kicks steal the show to keep spectators glued to their seats.
Kolonnawa Malay Association led by M. Azmin Ahamat and consisting of M.F. Khan, M. Rasheed Jallaldeen and Azaan lost to the ultimate winners India 2-0. Azmin Ahamat is attached to Stone and String as a Senior Manager. The game is very popular in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar and is now catching on in the USA and Canada.
Immediately after the competition the Indian team took wing to Thailand to take part in the King’s Cup tournament which was won by Thailand who has been winning this competition for the past several years. The Guest of Honour at the competition was Anver, Deputy Chairman of SLMC who graced the occasion and gave away the trophies. He was impressed with the game and assured that he would do a lot to promote the game and next year and invite India, Pakistan and other countries too to participate in the local event.
Following are the results of the competition held in Sri Lanka:
Regu Event (Men): India beat Malay CC 2-0
Doubles Event (Men): India beat Kolonnawa Malays 2-0
Regu Event (Women): India beat Pinnawela ‘B’ 2-0
Doubles Event (Women): India beat Pinnawela ‘A’ 2-0
Regu Event (Men): 3rd Place to Pakistan; 4th Place to Mabole Malays
Regu Event (Women): 3rd Place to Pakistan; 4th Place to Pinnawela ‘A.’
Doubles Event (Men): 3rd Place to Pakistan; 4th Place to Pinnawela ‘A’
Doubles Event (Women): 3rd Place to Pakistan; 4th Place to Pinnawela ‘C’