The hollow tap of a plastic ball reverberates around a stadium on a typically sunny spring Saturday in central Victoria. Two teams, each consisting of three players, dart around either side of what resembles a volleyball court. However, these players are not using their hands; instead, they are kicking, flipping, and using their heads to get the ball over the net.
Among the athletes is Nay Ta Gay Wah, who learned to play sepak takraw in a Thai refugee camp when he was 12. Three decades later, in Bendigo, the sport remains a central part of his life. “For health, for energy. Happy, you know,” Mr. Wah said, reflecting on the joy the sport brings him.
The Karen Community in Bendigo
Bendigo is now home to an estimated 4,000 Karen people, nearly 20 years since the first family settled in the city. The Karen, an ethnic group from South-East Asia, have fled conflict and persecution in Myanmar, often crossing into Thailand for safety. According to the 2021 census, after English, the Karen language is the second most commonly spoken at home within the Bendigo region.
This growing community has found ways to maintain cultural traditions, with sepak takraw being a key element. Eh Soo, a community leader, organized a sepak takraw tournament in late November, bringing together about 50 players from across Victoria, primarily 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,” he explained.
Preserving Tradition Through Sport
Tha Htoo traveled from Melbourne to support his team and expressed optimism about the new generation of players. “I think it’s good for the next King’s Cup. It would be a great opportunity,” he noted. The King’s Cup is the prestigious sepak takraw world championship held in Thailand, a testament to the sport’s international appeal.
In July this year, Mr. Wah and Mr. Soo were among those representing Australia in the green and gold on the international stage, bringing home the runner-up trophy in the quad men’s event. “[The sport] means a lot actually, personally to keep active, and my mental health as well,” Mr. Soo shared, highlighting the personal benefits of the sport.
The Global Reach of Sepak Takraw
Sepak takraw, often described as a fusion of soccer and volleyball, has roots deep in Southeast Asian culture. Originating centuries ago, it has become a symbol of cultural pride and resilience for many communities, including the Karen. The sport’s global reach has expanded, with countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia being traditional powerhouses.
In Australia, the sport provides a unique platform for cultural exchange and community building. The Karen community in Bendigo is a prime example of how sport can bridge cultural divides and foster a sense of belonging in a new homeland.
Looking Ahead
The future of sepak takraw in Bendigo looks promising, with increasing participation from younger generations. As the community continues to grow, so does the potential for the sport to gain wider recognition and support. Local tournaments and international competitions like the King’s Cup offer opportunities for players to showcase their skills and for the community to celebrate their cultural heritage.
As Mr. Wah and Mr. Soo continue to inspire the next generation, the sport of sepak takraw is not only kept alive but thrives, symbolizing the enduring spirit and resilience of the Karen people in Bendigo.
