The International Sepaktakraw Federation Tournament (ISTAF) and its partners UFA Sports Asia are looking to expand the global appeal of the ISTAF Super Series into Africa and Central Asia following the resounding success of the first Super Series.

The series has gone from strength to strength, beginning with the first ever ISTAF World Cup in Kuala Lumpur 11 months ago and followed by ISTAF Super Series events in Bangkok (September 2011), Palembang (February 2012) and Singapore (May 2012).

“ISTAF has a plan of establishing the sport on each continent,” said Datuk Abdul Halim Kader, Director General of ISTAF. “Sepaktakraw has started to be noticed around the world thanks to the partnership ISTAF has forged with UFA Sports Asia. Following up the level of attention it has attained thanks to the ISTAF Super Series and the ISTAF World Cup, our next step will be focusing on increasing the ISTAF membership so that the appreciation of the sport will be elevated further and farther.”

Jeff Chue, Managing Director of UFA Sports Asia added: “The ISTAF Super Series and ISTAF World Cup tournaments have been welcomed with great pride, and the sepaktakraw family saluted the fact that it was a breakthrough for the sport. Countries as diverse as Germany and USA have already taken part in the ISTAF Super Series, and people are now eagerly awaiting the participation of new teams, particularly from Africa and Central Asia, as demonstrated by the number of countries constantly getting good reviews from UFA Sports’ partner television companies and stations.”