Photo Credit – Flickr

All Sports Television Network, an American sports channel, will be introducing sepak takraw to its American audiences. This is after the television network came to an agreement with Malaysia’s broadcaster, Astro, to air the Sepak Takraw League (STL) produced by Astro Arena.

According to the agreement, All Sports will be airing events from STL’s international, national and regional tournaments. All Sports president, Roger Neal Smith said that the network is also planning to broadcast matches from other sepak takraw’s organisations worldwide. 

“We are truly thrilled to introduce sepak takraw to the American public,” said Smith. “Broadcasting the matches further accomplishes our goal of opening the sporting world doors to American fans, which allows them to begin experiencing events from around the world.” 

Astro’s head of sports, Lee Choong Khay also expresses his excitement as sepak takraw was finally getting international recognition. Lee added that STL has been a local favourite for the past eight seasons and it has been attracting regional viewership and participation in the past few seasons. 

“Through STL, we continue to work with sport ministries in Malaysia to develop the sport and its athletes,” said Lee. “The league features competition of the highest level which will excite fans and new viewers to the sport. With STL being shown for the first time in another region through All Sports, we hope to grow more fans and new athletes of sepak takraw.” 

Sepak takraw is also referred to as ‘Kick Volleyball and it is a popular sport in South-east Asia. The sport has been gaining international traction lately.