On October 24, 2024, the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation China Sepak Takraw Open kicked off in Nanning, Guangxi. This event features 20 teams and nearly 130 athletes from six Lancang-Mekong Cooperation member countries: China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, all coming together to promote friendship through the sport of Sepak Takraw.

During the opening ceremony, athletes showcased their skills in captivating matches, including impressive “hanging kicks.” Sepak Takraw is a traditional sport that is widely popular in Southeast Asia and South Asia, blending elements from volleyball, soccer, and badminton. It is not only skillful but also visually engaging, making it an official event at the Asian Games.

Thai athletes expressed their enthusiasm for the sport, highlighting its foundational role in Thailand and its status as one of the country’s most competitive events at the Asian Games. One athlete noted, “It’s my first time competing in China, and I’m thrilled to see young people here engaged with the sport. Sepak Takraw is similar to table tennis in China; both use a small ball to enhance communication and understanding between cultures.”

Gao Yonghui, Deputy Director of the Guangxi Sports Bureau, emphasized Guangxi’s role as a crucial window for exchanges between China and ASEAN countries. He noted the region’s commitment to promoting sports and cultural collaboration, mentioning the establishment of the country’s first sports industry resource trading platform aimed at ASEAN and the hosting of foreign teams for training in China. The Sepak Takraw Open serves as an important platform for fostering connections among Lancang-Mekong Cooperation member countries, and Gao hopes to encourage greater interest and participation in the sport.