KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s national sepak takraw squad are being tipped for a bright future after winning two gold and two silver medals at the 2025 Asian Sepak Takraw Championship, which concluded on Sunday.
The national side struck gold in the regu and quadrant events, while they claimed silver in the doubles and team regu competitions.
President of the Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (PSM), Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan, said he was proud of the team’s achievements, despite their long wait for team regu gold continuing into a 35th year.
“Alhamdulillah, we achieved our target of reaching all four finals,” Sumali said in a statement today.
“To come away with two golds and two silvers is something for the whole nation to be proud of. Although we couldn’t get past Thailand in the team regu final, the level of performance shown was very encouraging and bodes well for the future.”
Sumali also thanked the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS), the Asian Sepak Takraw Federation (Astaf), the National Sports Council (NSC), the National Sports Institute (NSI), and PSM’s strategic partners for their support.
“This success wouldn’t have been possible without the strong collaboration between PSM, Astaf, our sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who played a part,” he said.
“PSM remains fully committed to further developing sepak takraw at home and on the international stage.”
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh also praised the squad, saying their performance showed they have what it takes to challenge for the title in future editions.
“This is a result to be proud of. Even though we lost to Thailand in the final, the opening set was closely contested and our players gave it their all — not just the men’s team, but the women’s squad too,” she said after chairing a Strategic Collaboration Coordination Meeting with the National Registration Department today, Bernama reported.
Hannah said she saw the team regu final at Titiwangsa Stadium and realised their potential.
“With more exposure and development, especially when we host more tournaments, I believe we’ll win the Cup one day,” she added.
In Sunday’s final, Malaysia’s first regu — consisting of feeder Amirul Zazwan Amir, server Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi and killer Mohamad Azlan Alias — lost a nail-biting encounter 11-15, 15-12, 15-17.
The second regu of Farhan Adam, Muhammad Haziq Hairul Nizam and Muhammad Noraizat Mohd Nordin won the first set 15-13, but were edged out 13-15, 4-15 by the Thai trio of Sittipong Kamchan, Tanaphon Sapyen and Sirisak Anuloon. — May 19, 2025