KUALA LUMPUR – The dream of elevating sepak takraw to the level of other sports with established development programmes is moving closer to reality with the launch of the National Sepak Takraw Development Programme (NSTDP) next month.
Introduced by the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Association (PSM), the NSTDP builds upon existing initiatives and aims to nurture a new generation of skilled players capable of competing on the international stage.
However, its success will largely depend on the commitment of individual states in playing their respective roles.
Unlike previous development efforts, which primarily relied on talent scouting through the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) tournament, the NSTDP will collaborate with the National Sports Council (NSC) and the Education Ministry to identify young players aged 10 to 17 directly from schools.
National player Muhammad Shahalril Aiman Halim hopes the programme will further the governing body’s ambition of producing top sepak takraw talent.
“I hope all states can play their respective roles in finding new talent for this sport through NSTDP. It will, at the same time, be a continuation of the legacy of the existing players,” he said.
Other sports that have already benefited from structured development programmes include hockey (NHDP), football (NFDP), rugby (NRDP), and netball (NNDP).
Meanwhile, the senior ‘killer’ of the national squad believes sepak takraw is fortunate to receive additional support through the upcoming Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy (ASTM), another PSM initiative set to become a reality by June.
“For me, it is good for future generations with this academy. It will add value for players to be more enthusiastic to compete,” he said.
The sport has been on an upward trajectory, having achieved notable successes on the international stage.
Most recently, Malaysia made history by clinching a double championship at the 2024 Sepak Takraw World Cup, defeating arch-rivals Thailand. — March 29, 2025