Berhampur, Jan. 7: The Southeast Asian sport of sepak takraw is struggling to survive in the state because of the lack of funds.

Secretary of Odisha State Sepak Takraw Association (OSSTA) Manoj Kumar Patnaik said though the sport was introduced at the national level during the 1982 Asian Games and subsequently in Odisha in 1998, the authorities at the state sports department did not encourage it.

The two-day State Sepak Takraw Tournament 2016 started today at Khallikote College Stadium.

OSSTA, wich is affiliated to Sepak Takraw Federation of India and recognised by Indian Olympic Association and the ministry of youth affairs and sports is organising the tourney. A total of 21 teams, including six girls' teams from 15 districts, are taking part in it.

"In volleyball one can use their hands, but in sepak takraw, the players are only allowed to touch the ball with their feet, body or head. Amazing acrobatics are seen on the court during the tournament. Sepak takraw is somewhat a mix of volleyball, gymnastics, kung fu and acrobatics," Manoj said.

Odisha sepak takraw players have performed well at the national level. Mamuni Mahanta from Bhadrak and Niharkant Behera from Cuttack represented India in the international events last year. Mamuni even won bronze at one of the tournaments.

"Both are very talented. They can perform better if they get proper training and this requires funds. Mamuni and Niharkant went abroad with funds arranged by us. Neither the state nor the Union government provided any funds for their expenses," Manoj said.

The Odisha Sepak Takraw team consisting of 10 school students, including five girls, has reached the semi-finals in the ongoing Under-17 School Games at Chatrapal stadium in New Delhi.

Four girls, including Tulsi Behera from Dhenkanal, Alibha Das, Itishri Samal and Chunmun Samal and one boy Mihirkanta Behera from Cuttack had joined the national training camp at Hyderabad last year. Tulsi Behera will take part in the second South Asian Cup Tournament at Colombo in Sri Lanka from January 14-17.

"However, the major problem we are facing is finance and the availability of equipment used in this game, including the ball, net and mat, which we are importing from Bangkok. One ball costs between Rs 800 to Rs 1,300 and a net costs between Rs 800 to Rs 1700," Manoj said.