A range of preliminary and run-off sporting events has been well under way in Incheon, where the 17th Asian Games are currently taking place. On September 20, the second day of the competition, two net sports -- sepaktakraw and beach volleyball -- were showcased.

Sepaktakraw, along with wushu and kabaddi, is one of the sports that, on the international stage, are only played in the Asian Games. The game allows players to use any part of the body except for the hands -- feet, knees, chest and head-- to hit the ball. It requires speed, flexibility and rushing offensive skills. The sport is native to and dominated by nations in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Thailand.

The Bucheon Gymnasium, where preliminaries in both Group A and B in the men's and women's doubles are being held, was filled with abundant applause all day. Spectators gave an enthusiastic response to every attack the players made. Sepaktakraw is one of the lesser-known sports, but the spectators at the Bucheon Gymnasium seemed immersed in the tournament, regardless of their nationality.

The performances of the Korean men's and women's sepaktakraw teams have raised expectations among fans. In the men's doubles competition, against Singapore, the Korean team put on a forceful performance, with great blocks and great defensive skills. They slowly increased their points margin and finally won 2-0.




In the same venue, the Korean and Japanese women's doubles teams vied for victory. The Korean team had defeated Malaysia 2-1 earlier that day, but failed to defeat Japan. The Japanese women's doubles team had control of the game, finally winning 2-0. Spectators cheered on the players of both teams as they did their best on court.

Meanwhile, the Myanmar teams, both in men's and women's doubles, won all their preliminary matches, becoming the first two teams to qualify for the final. 




On the same day, both the men's and women's preliminary beach volleyball matches were held at the Songdo Beach Volleyball Venue. Unlike indoor games, beach volleyball unfolds on an outdoor sand court. As temperatures were running high, the players were drenched in sweat. However, they continued to put on a great and fair performance, slapping high fives and encouraging the players of the opposing teams at the end of every match. The men's and women's preliminaries will continue until September 24.


By Yoon Sojung and Lee Seung-ah
photos: Jeon Han
Korea.net Staff Writers
arete@korea.kr