Sepak takraw squad kicking along towards SEA Games
After intense competition, 42 sepak takraw athletes have been selected for tactics and skills training in preparation for 25th SEA Games in Vientiane in December.
The Lao Sepak Takraw Federation held a qualifying competition in Savannakhet province from April 3 to 5 to choose the best sepak takraw athletes from around the country.
Players selected for the games squad will continue their training at Savannahket's Sepak Takraw Centre.
There are no guarantees though, as only 36 male and female kickers will make the final cut.
Federation secretary Somsavath Phongsa said 60 athletes from six provinces participated in the competition.
Players represented the provinces of Borikhamxay, Khammuan, Savannakhet, Champassak and Vientiane , as well as capital.
“These activities are another opportunity for the federation to select the best sepak takraw players, after the eighth National Games held in Champassak province in December last year,” Mr Somsavath said.
After early setbacks, Savannakhet province took out Borikhamxay province 19-21, 21-18 and 17-16 in the final. In third place was Vientiane .
Borikhamxay province reversed its fortunes in the women's doubles competition, disposing of Vientiane province in two sets, 21-15 and 21-13. Savannakhet province was third.
It was an all-Savannakhet final in the men's singles, with a final scoreline of 21-19, 21-15. Third placed was Vientiane .
Borikhamxay province met Savannakhet province in the women's singles, taking the final 21-18 and21-15. Vientiane province took the last place on the podium.
Mr Somsavath said the choice of Savannakhet as the venue was no coincidence, as it had proved itself a hotbed of kicking talent.
“Savannakhet has more strong athletes than other provinces, so that is why the federation decided to gather 42 athletes in Savannakhet province after the competition,” Mr Somsavath said.
“I believe the sepak takraw federation is the first to gather athletes in another province, not here in Vientiane like so many of the federations participating in the SEA Games.”
The federation will whittle down the squad further, with the best 18 men and women to participate in the SEA Games at the end of this year.
By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes
