|
|
 |
|
|
.Sporting spectacle |
|
|
|
|
| Among the more popular
traditional sports in Thailand, Takraw has
many followers. Due to its complexity it requires
relentless training to master techniques which
imitate art more than they do sport. |
| ©
http://www.bangkok-thailand.org |
|
| A player performing a demonstration
under the watchful eyes of the judges. He's
just sent the ball towards the goal with a
left kick through the circle he forms with
his arms. You can just see the ball, the dark
sphere, just above his face. (Competition
in Pramane - Sanam Luang, Bangkok). |
 The
most spectacular of the official games take
place between February and April at the Sanam
Luang park (Lot Huang); the National
Stadium or the Hua Mak Stadium (Sepak Takraw)
in Bangkok. Photograph: Lot Huang basket.
|
|
|
|
| .The
Art of Takraw |
|
|
|
|
>> An exercise of
style, dexterity and coordination, Takraw
takes its heritage from the Asian sports of
the 17th century and is divided into 3 main
varieties. One is free style - juggling with
the ball (Takraw Wong); the second
is similar to that of tennis or volleyball
(Sepak Takraw) and the third is close
to basketball (Lot Huang).
The subject of all the attention is a small,
hard, plaited, rattan ball, that is hollow
and weighs just a few grams with a diameter
of about 15cm. Whatever happens, the ball
must not touch the ground nor be touched with
the hand (except to start a new round). Takraw
Wong is played in individual 10-minute
sets in front of judges. Sepak Takraw
(see the video) has two teams of 3 players
following the rules of volleyball (the net
is lower). For the Lot Huang version
there are 2 teams of 7 players on the court.
Each player in turn plays a 30 minute set.
They are spread out around a circle marked
on the ground with white paint with the basket
7 metres up above their heads. The players
use their feet, elbows, shoulders and head
with spectacular techniques such as spinning,
headers and the 'flying pigeon' (see photo).
The aim of the game, as you will have guessed,
is to score as many baskets as possible in
the time.
During official competitions (see photo) the
players (pros) are very determined and concentrate
hard. In contrast to the grinning spectators,
mainly guys, who cheer on their champions
between their beers and roast chicken and
generously applaud when a good shot scores
a point. (/LA) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Version française de
cet article 
|
| Entertainment |
 Kitesurf:
autant en
emporte
le vent... 
 L'extrême
dans la forêt
tropicale
d'Erawan
 Muay
Thai:
a
fighting
tradition
 The
takraw,
among the
more popular sports
 Well
in
body,
well in
mind...
 Race
fever
in
Bangkok
|
|
|
[ Why
| Ethics
| Who
| Links
| Thanks
| E-mail
| Home
]