Besides the excitement of playing in front of the home fans, the first leg of ISTAF Super Series event bears greater significance for Indian Sepaktakraw athletes who seek to garner spectators' interest as well as attention of the authorities to help them get jobs.
"Employment remains a concern for our players. Very few players get jobs. The only way to create awareness about the sport in India is by hosting major events. And the Super Series is the first major step. I am hopeful that hosting such events will raise the profile of the sport in the country," Jotin Singh, a former player and coach of the women's team, said.
Though Manipur and other north eastern states give incentives to players by providing them jobs, the sport is yet to gain prominence in others states of India.
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"The only paramilitary force that recognises the sport is SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal), which employs some of the Sepaktakraw athletes. States like Manipur and Nagaland do promote this game but in rest of India, our players don't get opportunities," said Jotin.
Out of the 11-member Indian squad for the tournament, including men and women, only two are employed with SSB.
"The reason behind this is lack of popularity of the sport. We want to utilise this opportunity to create a buzz about the sport. This is the only way for our athletes to get employment," Jotin laments.
