Kuala Lumpur: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh expressed pride in the national sepak takraw squad’s performance at the 2025 Asian Cup, highlighting their potential for future success despite their final loss to Thailand.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Yeoh’s observations came after attending the team regu final at the Titiwangsa Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, where Thailand defeated Malaysia 2-0. She considered the team’s achievement notable, noting the closely-contested nature of the opening set and affirming both the men’s and women’s teams gave their best efforts.

Yeoh also commended the Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) for its initiatives in talent development, emphasizing the importance of exposure and expressing optimism for future victories when Malaysia hosts the event.

In the final match, Malaysia’s first regu team of Amirul Zazwan Amir, Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi, and Mohamad Azlan Alias narrowly lost 11-15, 15-12, 15-17. The second regu, featuring Farhan Adam, Muhammad Haziq Hairul Nizam, and Muhammad Noraizat Mohd Nordin, won the first set 15-13 but succumbed in the following sets 13-15, 4-15 to the Thai players Sittipong Kamchan, Tanaphon Sapyen, and Sirisak Anuloon.

Regarding infrastructure, Yeoh mentioned there are no plans to build a dedicated sepak takraw stadium, as the current facilities at Jalan Raja Muda Stadium in Kampung Baru suffice for the national team. Managed by PSM, the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy Centre serves as a hub for developing talent at grassroots and elite levels.