Folk Games and Sports |171
Takro Lod Huang
Thai Rattan Ball Sport
The versatile style of kicking a rattan ball into the hoop suspended above
the ground is an identity of Takro Lod Huang which are originally from the creativity
of Thai people.
The popularity of playing a rattan ball for the relaxation among Thai people
has been feasible since the past times. The rules have been modified to enhance
enjoyment with a variety of games like Takro Te Wong (Takro encircling group),
Takro Phlik Phlaeng (modified Takro), Takro Chingthong (running Takro), Takro
Te-thon (endurance Takro), Takro Kham Ta Khai (Takro over the net), and Takro
Lod Huang (hoop Takro). The last type is one of the sports created from over
88-year-old Thai wisdom.
The beginning of Takro Lod Huang sport is evident that during 1927 - 1929
Luang Mongkolman (Sanka Buranasiri) initiated playing of Takro Lod Huang in Bangkok.
He combined the method of playing Sepak Takro with several kicks of Takro Plik
Plaeng (modified Takro), in addition to hanging a hoop high above the ground in
the middle of the playing field. The score is awarded for each successful passing
of the ball into the official hoop and the style according to degree of difficulty. The
more difficult it is; the higher score the team will get. After the playing method had
been more disseminated, the first tournament of Takro Lod Huang was organized
in 1931 by Siam Sports Association. After that, it has been widespread to other
provinces in the Central region of Thailand and throughout the country.
“Takro Lod Huang is a sport that awards a score
by the style of successful passing of the ball
into the official hoop, which have varied level
of difficulties. Therefore, Takro Lod Huang sport
requires tactics and experiences, rather than the
power, which makes it playable to all genders
and ages.”