Malaysia Ends 36-Year Wait to Claim Sepak Takraw Team Regu Gold at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

NAGOYA, Sept 25 – Malaysia’s national sepak takraw squad ended a 36-year drought for the Asian Games men’s team regu gold medal in spectacular fashion, defeating fierce rivals Thailand 2-0 in the final at the Paloma Mizuho Arena on Friday.

The historical victory marks Malaysia’s first gold medal in the event since the 1990 Beijing Asian Games, where they overcame the same opponents.

Malaysia’s tactical strategy paid dividends immediately as the primary regu—comprising Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi, Farhan Adam, and Mohamad Azlan Alias—battled past Thailand’s Marukin Phanmakon, Phutawan Sopa, and Pornthep Tinbangbon in a tight 15-9, 5-15, 15-11 contest.

Spurred by the opening win, Malaysia’s second regu of Zulkifli Abd Razak, Muhammad Afifuddin Mohd Razali, and Aidil Aiman Azwawi sealed the historic triumph by dispatching the Thai lineup of Kritsanapong Nontakote, Tanaphon Sapyen, and Wuttinu Kamsanor 15-13, 15-10.

The gold medal represents Malaysia’s fourth overall gold at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.

Reflecting on the monumental victory, national tekong (server) Syahir and apit kanan (killer) Azlan expressed immense gratitude, revealing that the team had overcome significant adversity and injury setbacks leading up to the Games.

“First of all, Alhamdulillah. As for what happened earlier, honestly, everything we showed out there did not come solely from us. We know where our weaknesses lie, but we are very grateful that Allah gave us the strength, and that is what we put on display,” Syahir said.

Azlan admitted the squad was surprised by the 2-0 sweep against a formidable opponent given their pre-tournament fitness struggles.

“For me, first of all, Alhamdulillah. We can’t explain how we won 2-0. We never thought we’d be able to beat Thailand 2-0,” Azlan said. “Before coming here, we already knew Thailand as a rising force, while we were struggling with injury issues. Syahir was injured, I was injured, many others were injured as well… but Alhamdulillah, Allah helped us.”

Azlan added that reclaiming the top spot after nearly four decades held profound significance for the current generation of players.

“Most importantly is what people say about the Asian Games. That’s even longer than the era of our own coaches. So, 2026 is about making history for our generation. Alhamdulillah,” Azlan noted.

Despite completing a full set of major titles—adding Asian Games gold to their World Cup and SEA Games successes—the national squad remains focused on maintaining momentum as they prepare for the upcoming regu event at the Asiad.

–NMT