Patna, May 6 -- Consecutive medals in the past two editions of the Asian Games (2018 and 2022), a groundbreaking gold medal win by the Indian men's regu team at the recently-held International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) World Cup, and the tireless efforts of the Bihar State Sports Association (BSSA) and the state government have all contributed to Sepak Takraw being introduced for the first time at the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), Bihar 2025.

Karunesh Kumar, former India international and competition manager for KIYG Bihar 2025, described the inclusion of the sport as a "milestone moment" for athletes and emphasized its long-term significance.

"The introduction of Sepak Takraw as a medal sport in the seventh edition of KIYG is vi...