Asian Games 2023: India win first-ever medal in women's sepaktakraw

Indian women`s sepaktakraw team (Pic: X)

India clinched their first-ever medal in women's sepaktakraw at the ongoing Asian Games 2023 with the regu team winning a bronze after losing to powerhouse Thailand in the semifinals on Friday.

The Indian women's team of Ayekpam Maipak Devi, Oinam Chaoba Devi, Khushbu, Elangbam Priya Devi and Elangbam Leirentombi Devi lost 10-21, 13-21 in the semifinals.

India had finished second in their group behind Vietnam to make it to the semifinals.

Thailand are the defending champions in the event. The two teams took a photograph together after the match.

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"Our players wanted to have a memory of their semifinal match against Thailand. They are the best players in the world and it was a great moment for our team to play against them," said chief coach Hem Raj who had an argument with the referee during the match.

In sepaktakraw, both the semifinalists are awarded a bronze medal each.

This was India's first-ever medal in women's sepaktakraw at the Asian Games, and only the second for the country in the sport.

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The Indian men's regu team had won a bronze in the 2018 Asian Games.

For the unversed, sepaktakraw (or kick the "rattan" ball) is a vibrant sport with limited history in India, but this team has won what we hope will be a trail-blazing medal, paving the way for further recognition for the sport back home.

(With agency inputs)