Kuala lumpur: The International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) extends its highest appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his continuous support in elevating the dignity of the sport as a symbol of Malaysian cultural heritage and national identity.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, ISTAF Secretary-General Datuk Abdul Halim Kader stated that through the Malaysia MADANI agenda, confidence and inspiration have been injected into the entire sporting community. This initiative affirms that sepaktakraw is not merely a relic of the past but also a means for international diplomacy.

Abdul Halim highlighted that the Prime Minister appreciates the need for cultural heritage to flourish within a modern framework grounded in knowledge, sports science, accountable governance, and a global perspective. This understanding paves the way for enhancing sepaktakraw’s prominence as Asia’s most influential heritage sport.

“ISTAF also looks forward to the full support of the MADANI Government to have sepaktakraw listed as an official sport at the Olympic Games in the future.

“ISTAF is confident that with the Prime Minister’s leadership and moral support, the dream of making Malaysia a global leader in upholding this world heritage sport is not impossible,” said Abdul Halim, who is also the President of the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF), in a statement released today.

Abdul Halim also expressed appreciation to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for her professional commitment and dynamic leadership in strengthening the development of the sport through the establishment of the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Academy (ASM), which is set to become a world-class centre of excellence.