The Takraw Association of Thailand (TAT) was founded in 1983 and has played a crucial role in the development and promotion of the sport in Thailand and globally. Thailand has a rich history of sports and physical activities, with about 16M people participating in sports and/or exercising regularly (growing at 23-24% per SAT). There are also multiple world-class athletes in other sports such as badminton, boxing, weightlifting, and taekwondo. “Raga” is also played for fun by demonstrating several tricks, such as kicking the ball and placing it on the player’s head with the handle of the tengkolok bugis (Bugis headgear similar to a Malay tanjak).

The game became such a cherished local custom that another exhibition of volleyball-style Takraw was held to celebrate the kingdom’s first constitution in 1933, the year after Thailand abolished absolute monarchy. Soccer, also known as football, is the most popular sport in Thailand, attracting a large following and deeply embedded in Thai culture, with many players and fans participating in and supporting local and national leagues. The Women’s Volleyball Thailand League is a major source of entertainment for many fans. The Thai national women’s volleyball team has gained considerable success in international competitions, elevating the sport’s appeal.

Thailand has also produced several notable golfers, including Ariya Jutanugarn and her sister Moriya Jutanugarn, who have both won multiple LPGA titles. Other notable Thai golfers include Thongchai Jaidee, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, and Jazz Janewattananond, who have all competed in major golf tournaments and gained international recognition for their success in the sport. As a leading consulting firm in sports, esports, health, and well-being, AST has been actively contributing our expertise to help navigate this exciting landscape. With the government’s support, a growing economy, and a talented and passionate population, Thailand has the potential to become a major player in the global sports and esports industry, and AST is excited to be a part of this exciting journey.

Thailand started attending the Olympics in 1952 where they usually send 35 to 55 athletes to compete. They’ve taken home 33 medals over the years (9 gold, 8 silver, 16 bronze) including six at Rio 2016. The art of 8 limbs was mandatory for soldiers to learn as part of their military training and during WWII Thai soldiers practiced among themselves as foreign soldiers looked on.

They have won the AFF Championship seven times, in 1996, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2020, and 2022. The team has also achieved some success on the continental stage, finishing third in the 1972 AFC Asian Cup. Thailand is also a dominant force in Southeast Asian football, with the men’s team winning the gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games a record 16 times. The team has also advanced to the final round of World Cup qualification twice, in 2002 and 2018, but unfortunately, they have failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup so far. In addition, Thailand’s U-23 team has won the gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games a record 7 times. The U-17 team has qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup twice and became the AFC champion in 1998.

If either of the “Inside” players throws the ball before the referee calls the score, it must be re-thrown and a warning will be given to the thrower. The Sepak Takraw ball can also be constructed of synthetic rubber or soft durable material for covering the ball, for the purpose of softening the impact of the ball on the player’s body. The type of material and method used for constructing the ball or for covering the ball with rubber or soft durable covering must be approved by ISTAF before it can be used for any competition.

Several standard boxers have won world boxing championships, including Khaosai Galaxy, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1999. Bowling has gained popularity in Thailand over the years, with many talented bowlers representing the country in international competitions. Yannaphon Larpapharat is one such notable bowler who has made a name for himself in the sport.

After four years, the association incorporated a volleyball-style net and organized the inaugural public competition. The sport then quickly gained popularity and was soon incorporated into the Physical Training curriculum in schools.[2] The game is also known by different names and played in various ways in other Southeast Asian countries. In 1960, representatives from Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, and Thailand met in Kuala Lumpur to standardize the guidelines for the sport, ultimately agreeing to officially call it “Sepak Takraw” after intense debate. On 11 December 1998, the Sepak Takraw Association of Canada (STAC)[34] was incorporated to organise and govern the sport nationally.

• Pleumjit Thinkaow, a star middle blocker, is a household name in Thailand.
• They’ve also sent a handful of athletes to the Winter Olympics since 2002, with no medals.
• Both the men’s and women’s national futsal teams have dominated the Southeast Asian Games, winning the championship in every edition where futsal was included.
• The game is played by two players with the objective of capturing the opponent’s king, just like in chess.

“Show some respect for a start. I’ve knocked out more elite level fighters than he’s even had fights. Harrison is a legendary figure in combat sports who at 38 years of age will be returning to top level competition on June 8 in a ONE Championship Muay Thai bout against Katsuki Kitano. His father Gavin Peacock was a professional soccer player for 18 years, playing for Queens Park Rangers, Chelsea and Newcastle United among other clubs. During the service, as soon as the Tekong kicks the ball, all the players are allowed to move about freely in their respective courts.

He stressed the need for companies to invest more money into local broadcast rights, so that the league can compete for football fan attention across ASEAN countries. Canada has since contributed much to the development of Sepak Takraw worldwide, with Engel authoring three instructional https://thefightingcock.co.uk/2024/03/thailands-football-development-highlights-obstacles-and-the-sportsbook-environment/ books[36] and helping produce five DVDs about the sport, while STAC did the publishing. Engel has since introduced the sport and conducted Sepak Takraw skills clinics in schools and sessions at physical education teachers’ conferences all over Canada, the US and Europe.

Thailand has also competed in beach volleyball at the international level, but the sport is not as popular as indoor volleyball. The two most prestigious stadiums for Muay Thai matches in Thailand are the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium, both located in Bangkok. These stadiums have hosted some of the biggest Muay Thai fights in history and are considered the pinnacle of the sport.