>

Shri Yogender Singh Dahiya

His Dream • Our Mission

Architect of Modern Indian Sepaktakraw

Architect of Modern Indian Sepaktakraw

ISTAF Logo
Assistant Secretary General

ISTAF

International Sepaktakraw Federation

ASTAF Logo
Deputy President

ASTAF

Asian Sepaktakraw Federation

STFI Logo
President

STFI

Sepaktakraw Federation of India

STFI Logo
President

DSTA

Delhi Sepaktakraw Association

STFI Logo
Transforming Sepaktakraw a national movement.

100+ National & International Competitions

25+ years relentless service

2013 & 2018 Asian Games Medal.

2025 World Cup Gold Medal.

Before 2004 : The Dream Begins

A Vision Takes Shape

Long before Indian Sepaktakraw became a medal-winning sport, he worked tirelessly to build pathways and opportunities. He believed in the potential of Indian athletes and the sport itself.

Early involvement in Sepaktakraw administration and grassroots development.

Association with grassroots sports development in Delhi. Beacome a key figure in the Delhi Sepaktakraw Association (DSTA).

Building relationships across state associations. Belief that Sepaktakraw could become a nationally recognized sport and finally achieved its success at the international level.

2004 : Entering the National Stage

National Leadership Begins

Assumed major responsibilities in STFI and began a new era of federation development.

Became Secretary General of STFI and led national initiatives. later President of STFI.

Began long-term federation restructuring.

Focused on governance and national expansion, athlete development and international representation.

2005-2010 : State by State Expansion

Building Sepaktakraw as a National Movement with theme Growth begins at the grassroots.

Expanded state participation and strengthened national federation structures.

Strengthened state units and motivate members. Now 25+ state associations affiliated with STFI.

Expanded national competitions. Increased athlete participation nationwide.

Focused on creating structured development pathways.

2010-2013 : Reaching Every State and Athlete

Expanding state participation and strengthening national federation structures.

Supported revival and development efforts across emerging state associations.

Provided guidance and support to emerging state associations. Helped revive dormant associations and establish new ones.

Supported creation of new training programs and competition structures from Sub-Junior to Senior levels.

Focused on creating structured development pathways.

2013-2017 :Preparing for Asian Games

Building India's Medal Mission

National camps. Talent identification. Core probables programme.

International exposure, athlete pathways and international training sessions.

Hosted the Prestigious Sepaktakraw World Super Series 2013 opened on 29 August 2013 at Indira Gandhi Sports Stadium in New Delhi, the capital city of India, which was the first time that the tournament was conducted outside South East Asia which was a major milestone for atIndian Sepaktakraw.

Long-term national camps of Sepaktakraw with an aim to win a medal in 2014 Asian Games

2018 : India's First Asian Games Medal

India's first Asian Games 2018 Men's Regu Bronze medal in Sepaktakraw.

India's rise began gaining international attention after securing a historic Bronze Medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.

This achievement marked a significant milestone for Indian Sepaktakraw, showcasing the nation's potential on the continental stage.

The medal win sparked increased interest and investment in the SEPAKTAKRAW sport across India. It inspired a new generation of athletes and led to greater support from sports authorities and sponsors.

This breakthrough also elevated India's status in the international Sepaktakraw community, leading to more opportunities for international competition and collaboration.

2019-2021 : India's Global Voice

Leadership roles in ASTAF and ISTAF elevated India's international presence.

Elected Assistant Secretary General, International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF).

Elected Deputy President, Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF) — giving India a powerful voice in Asian Sepaktakraw governance.

India's influence in international Sepaktakraw governance grew, allowing for greater input in global decisions and policies.

India hosted international tournaments and participated in global competitions, further establishing its reputation. This period solidified India's position as a key player in the international Sepaktakraw community.

2020

Athlete Welfare Revolution

Creating opportunities beyond medals through recognition and career pathways.

Through sustained advocacy, Sepaktakraw was recognised by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT).

This allowed national-level players to become eligible for Central Government jobs under sports quota in various Govt. Oraganisations , securing long-term careers for athletes.

This recognition was a major step in ensuring that athletes could pursue Sepaktakraw professionally, with the assurance of career stability and support.

2022-2023

Rise of Women's Sepaktakraw

Expanding participation and strengthening women's programmes.

Stronger national programs. Increased competitive success.

Continued expansion of national championships, youth programmes, and women’s participation.

Focused on talent identification and development for women's teams, leading to increased competitiveness.

2023

Women's Historic Asian Games Medal

India won a historic bronze medal in the women's regu event at the Asian Games 2023.

This marked India’s first-ever medal in Women's Sepaktakraw at the Asian Games and the nation's second overall in the sport's history.

This achievement highlighted the growth and development of women's Sepaktakraw in India, showcasing the success of the programs and initiatives implemented over the years.

The medal win inspired greater interest and participation in women's Sepaktakraw across the country.

2025

The Golden Era

India's first-ever World Cup Gold Medal in Sepaktakraw.

India's victory at the 2025 ISTAF World Cup marked a historic achievement, solidifying its status as a global force in Sepaktakraw.

The win was a culmination of years of development, training, and international competition, showcasing the strength and skill of Indian athletes on the world stage.

This victory not only brought pride to the nation but also inspired a new generation of athletes and increased global recognition for Indian Sepaktakraw.

November 2025

A Tragic Loss

The Sepaktakraw community mourned the loss of Shri Yogender Singh Dahiya, a visionary leader and architect of modern Indian Sepaktakraw.

His passing marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of growth, achievement, and inspiration for future generations.

The impact of his leadership and vision will continue to shape the sport in India and internationally.

His contributions to Sepaktakraw will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.

Historic Medal Era

Asian Games 2018

First Ever Medal

Asian Games 2023

Women's Historic Bronze

World Cup 2025

Historic Gold Era

“He did not merely build a sport.
He built opportunities, careers and dreams.”
25+

Years of Leadership in DSTA, President of STFI

100+

National Events & International Competitions

2

Asian Games Medal Eras

1

World Cup Gold Era

Legacy Forever

From grassroots courts to the world stage, his vision transformed Indian Sepaktakraw.

Shri Yogender Singh Dahiya

His Dream • Our Mission