Malaysia's Sepak Takraw League to be broadcast in United States

United States-based All Sports Television Network (ALL SPORTS) has announced a partnership with Astro to broadcast the Sepak Takraw League (STL).

Under the agreement, the network would also be airing events from international, national and regional sepak takraw tournaments.

"We are truly thrilled to introduce sepak takraw to the American public," said Roger Neal Smith, President of ALL SPORTS.

"Broadcasting the matches further accomplishes our goal of opening the sporting world doors to American fans, which allows them to begin experiencing events from around the world."

How about broadcasting the league on TV in the UK? ? @ESPNUK https://t.co/GiZmG9JSzy

— ASTRO ARENA (@ASTROARENA) July 16, 2021

Lee Choong Khay, Astro's Head of Sports, added: "We're excited that this spectacular sport is gaining the international recognition that it deserves.

"Astro Arena’s homegrown Sepak Takraw League has been a local favourite for the past eight seasons while attracting regional viewership and participation in the past few seasons.

"Through STL, we continue to work with sport ministries in Malaysia to develop the sport and its athletes.

"The league features competition of the highest level which will excite fans and new viewers to the sport.

"With STL being shown for the first time in another region through ALL SPORTS, we hope to grow more fans and new athletes of sepak takraw."

It is not the STL's first time being involved with an international broadcaster as Indonesia's TVRI previously aired the STL Champions Cup in 2019.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it also attracted participation from international clubs based in Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, China and Singapore.

The Kuala Lumpur Thunder are the defending champions of STL Premier and STL Champions Cup, while the Bomba Fighters won STL Division 1 last season.