Nagoya:The Malaysian national sepak takraw team has been officially named 'The Golden Tigers' following their historic victory at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, where they claimed the men's team regu gold medal, ending a 36-year drought.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) president, Datuk Mohd Sumali Redzuan, announced the new nickname after the team's 2-0 win over Thailand in the final at Nagoya City Mizuho Arena. The name 'The Golden Tigers' was inspired by other Malaysian national teams, such as Harimau Malaya in football and the Speedy Tigers in hockey.

This triumph not only signifies the resurgence of Malaysian sepak takraw but also provides the team with a distinct national identity. Mohd Sumali mentioned that many, including former Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, had inquired about a nickname for the squad, highlighting the importance of this new identity.

The victory marks the first Asian Games team regu gold for Malaysia since the 1990 Beijing edition, re-establishing the country's prowess in the sport within the region. In recognition of the team's achievement, Mohd Sumali announced an increase in the reward for each player from RM7,000 to RM10,000, a decision supported by all executive committee members of PSM.