Aichi-Nagoya:The national sepak takraw squad of Malaysia missed the chance to secure a double gold at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, losing 0-2 to defending champions Thailand in the regu event final.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia had previously won the team regu title just four days earlier at the Paloma Mizuho Arena. The team had hoped to add another gold to their tally but faced a formidable challenge from the Thai team.

The Malaysian squad, featuring Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi, Aidil Aiman Azwawi, and Mohamad Azlan Alias, played against Thailand's Tanaphon Sapyen, Kritsanapong Nontakote, and Wuttinun Kamsanor. Despite early resistance, the Thai team pulled ahead with a 12-8 lead. Malaysian head coach Ahmad Jais Baharun made strategic substitutions, bringing in Muhammad Zulkifli Abd Razak and Muhammad Afifuddin Razali, but Thailand maintained their dominance to win the first set 15-9.

In the second set, Malaysia attempted a comeback, leveling the score at 5-5 after initially trailing 0-5. However, two serves by Syahir hitting the net allowed Thailand to regain the lead, eventually closing the match 15-8. This defeat left Malaysia with a silver medal, their fourth in the current Games.

Previously, Malaysia had ended a 36-year wait for sepak takraw gold by winning the team regu event, a title last claimed at the 1990 Beijing Games. The 1990 edition was also the last time Malaysia secured two sepak takraw gold medals in a single Asian Games.