Bihar is all set to host the Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025. 20 international teams are going to participate in a grand event spanning over 20-25 March at the Patliputra Sports Complex, Patna.
Sepaktakraw or Sepak Takraw – call it buka ball, kick volleyball or foot volleyball – is a popular traditional sport mostly played in the Southeast Asian countries with a long history. It is played with a ball made of rattan or plastic between two teams of two to four players on a court resembling a badminton court.
Sepaktakraw: A Popular Native Game Around the World
Sepaktakraw resembles native sports in many countries across the world, especially Southeast Asian countries – Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Singapore, Philippines, Myanmar Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. It is reportedly also played in China, Korea and in Japan. Bihar is also home to the sports and the game is played in the state too, especially the rural areas.
“Sepaktakraw game has been played in Bihar with a different name. This game is still played in rural areas”, say Bihar’s reputed sports journalists. Till a few years ago, players were seen playing it even in the streets of Patna. “Chauka-Daadi” played in rural areas of Bihar is also a similar game.
Popularity Among Youths
The popularity of Sepaktakraw is inspiring youth to play the game. Bobby Kumar of Bihar is a famous player of this game who is currently receiving training in Thailand with the Indian Sepaktakraw team.
Identity of Tournament: The Logo and Mascot Sepaktakraw World Cup 2025
The logo of Sepaktakraw World Cup 2025 encompasses the culture, sportsmanship and future energy of Bihar.
* Sun rays – A symbol of bright future and boundless energy.
* Nalanda University and Madhubani art – It reflect the ancient wisdom and cultural heritage of Bihar.
* Sepaktakraw ball – It reflects the intensity, balance and strategy of this sport.
* Golghar – It represents the historical heritage and pride of Bihar to the whole world.
Similarly, the mascot of Sepaktakraw World Cup 2025 is a symbol of Bihar’s strength and pride! The mascot inspired by the state animal of Bihar “Gaur Bison” (Indian Gaur) will infuse a sense of enthusiasm and pride in this event.
• Srength and determination – Its energetic presence reflects the speed and strength of the game.
• Taditional appearance – The mascot is presented in traditional attire, which reflects Bihar’s cultural heritage and love for sports.
Sepaktakraw World Cup 2025 in Bihar
In a confluence of sports, culture and pride, for the first time, Bihar is going to host the Sepaktakraw World Cup 2025. The World Cup is not just going to be just a sports tournament, but a mega-event of sports, tradition and passion! Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had unveiled the logo and mascot for the Sepaktakraw World Cup 2025. Sepaktakraw is governed internationally by the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF), formed in 1988, which is responsible for major international tournaments including the ISTAF SuperSeries (ISS).