"Kick, Spike, and Score: The Thrilling World of Sepak Takraw"
Welcome to the exciting world of Sepak Takraw, a sport that combines the skills of soccer, volleyball, and martial arts into one thrilling game.
On March 21, Friday I happened to watch someone playing sepak takraw. As someone who is not that sporty, I got curious how the sport is usually played. Luckily I got a chance to do a little interview with a pro player in sepak takraw. Dexter G. Inghog, a 20 year old student from Palompon Institute of Technology was doing his usual training in sepak takraw. Dexter explained how sepak takraw is done. I’ve learned that the game is typically played by two teams of three players each, with the objective of sending the ball over the net and into the opposing team's court. Players are allowed to use any part of their body except their arms and hands to maneuver the ball.
Dexter started playing sepak takraw at the age of six. When asked why he got hooked on sepak takraw and not other sports, he simply said, “Even though it's not as intense as some other sports, Sepak takraw is still a good workout. You use your legs, head, and your brain to coordinate your movements. And it involves acrobatics, especially when kicking the ball.” Dexter got inspired by players from Malaysia and Thailand, which motivated him to practice even harder. When he was six years old, he had no idea what techniques or skills to use for those kind of movements. He even searched on YouTube for skills to improve his performance. “I’m really happy with the results. The tutorials that I found online had been effective. It inspired me to learn and master those skills.”
According to him, sepak takraw is unique compared to other sports because it is not just about the kicking. It also involves acrobatic and the common skills they use are cartwheel, sunback, and bicycle, which makes it even more intense to watch. Additionally, sepak takraw primarily uses the feet unlike other sports that mostly rely on the hands.
Dexter being a pro player that he is, received remarkable awards in the said sports.
Palarong Pambansa-4th placer (2017)
Palarong Pambansa-7th placer(2019)
Siglakas Meet-Best Setter (2023-2024)
Open Tournament-Champion Open Tournament-Best Spiker
Regional Scuaa- Bronze Medalist(2023-2024)
Siglakas Meet-Best Spiker(2024-2025)
Regional Scuaa-4th Placer(2024-2025)
Dexter also gave advice to the kids who wants to learn Sepak Takraw. "My advice to kids who want to learn sepak takraw is to prioritize self-discipline. It's no use being good at the sport if you lack discipline towards yourself, your teammates, and your coach. With discipline, the skills you want to develop will come more easily”
Indeed, Sepak Takraw is a unique and exhilarating sport that combines elements of athleticism, agility, and coordination. To Mr. Dexter G. Inghog, continue to be a good player in your chosen sport, continue to be a motivation to the young and aspiring athletes, continue to kick, spike, and score. Goodluck on your future endeavors! Mabuhay ang atletang PINOY!
