Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has been given the right to host the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup, Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan said. The announcement was made following the decision at the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) council meeting in Hatyai, Thailand.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, ISTAF chose Malaysia as the host for the 2026 World Cup due to its experience in organizing international championships and in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026. This will mark the third time Malaysia hosts the event, with previous hosting duties in 2011 and 2024.

Additionally, Mohd Sumali expressed PSM’s continued opposition to ISTAF’s proposal to alter the rule concerning the tekong’s service circle. He emphasized that changing this rule could diminish the uniqueness and artistry associated with the tekong position. He stated that from Malaysia’s perspective, it is important to maintain the current rules to preserve the traditional aspect of the tekong’s service.

Mohd Sumali also expressed his dissatisfaction with the match schedule of the ongoing 2025 Thai King’s Cup. He described the schedule as overly packed and unreasonable, which he believes could negatively impact the players’ performance and capabilities.