Sipa

Philippine national game — kick a woven rattan ball or lead-and-feathers shuttle repeatedly in the air with the feet.

🌤both

What is Sipa?

Sipa is a Philippine traditional sport (its national game from 1961 until sepak takraw replaced it in 2009). The player kicks a small woven rattan ball or a lead washer wrapped with feathers, keeping it in the air with the feet and legs. Modern competitive sipa is played on a court split by a net, three-a-side, in the sepak takraw style.

Quick facts

Category

Traditional & Cultural Sports

Type

Individual

Players

1–4

Where played

both

Country of origin

🇵🇭 Philippines

Estimated origin

Pre-Hispanic Philippines (>500 years); the national sport 1961–2009

Olympic

No

Popularity

regional

Sources & provenance

Last verified 2026-08-24.verified