The hollow tap of a plastic ball echoes through a stadium on a typically sunny spring Saturday in central Victoria. On what resembles a volleyball court, two teams of three players each dart around energetically. However, unlike volleyball, these athletes rely on their feet, heads, and acrobatic flips to propel the ball over the net. This is sepak takraw, a traditional sport that has become a lifeline for the Karen community in Bendigo.
Among the players is Nay Ta Gay Wah, who first encountered sepak takraw as a 12-year-old in a Thai refugee camp. Now, three decades later, the sport remains integral to his life in Bendigo. “For health, for energy. Happy, you know,” Mr. Wah shared, encapsulating the joy and vitality the sport brings to his community.
The Karen Community in Bendigo
Bendigo, a city now home to an estimated 4,000 Karen people, has seen this community flourish nearly 20 years after the first family settled there. The Karen, an ethnic group from Myanmar, have often fled conflict and persecution by crossing into Thailand. According to the 2021 census, the Karen language is the second most commonly spoken at home in the Bendigo region, following English.
This demographic shift has not only enriched the cultural tapestry of Bendigo but has also introduced traditional sports like sepak takraw to the local sporting scene. Eh Soo, a community leader, recently organized a sepak takraw tournament in late November, drawing about 50 players from across Victoria, predominantly from the Karen and Karenni communities.
“In Australia, it’s hard to connect sometimes — maybe three or four times a year if we can do this sport. It’s amazing for young adults to come together and connect,” said Eh Soo.
Building Connections Through Sport
The tournament was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of culture and community. Tha Htoo, who traveled from Melbourne to support his team, expressed optimism about the sport’s future. “I think it’s good for the next King’s Cup. It would be a great opportunity,” he noted, referring to the prestigious sepak takraw world championships held annually in Thailand.
In July, Mr. Wah and Mr. Soo were among those donning the green and gold to represent Australia on the international stage, securing the runner-up trophy in the quad men’s event. This achievement underscores the growing talent and passion for sepak takraw within the Karen community in Australia.
“[The sport] means a lot actually, personally to keep active, and my mental health as well,” Mr. Soo reflected, highlighting the personal and communal benefits of the sport.
The Future of Sepak Takraw in Australia
The success of the Karen community in promoting sepak takraw in Bendigo is a testament to the sport’s potential to bridge cultural gaps and foster inclusivity. As the community continues to grow, so too does the interest in this dynamic sport. The hope is that more young Australians, both within and outside the Karen community, will embrace sepak takraw, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
Looking forward, the Karen community in Bendigo aims to organize more tournaments and engage with local schools to introduce sepak takraw to a wider audience. These efforts not only preserve their cultural heritage but also contribute to the multicultural fabric of Australian society.
As sepak takraw gains traction, it promises to be a powerful tool for cultural exchange and community building, offering a unique way for the Karen people to share their rich traditions with their new homeland.
