Kuala Lumpur: The Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) will bid to host the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup in Malaysia following calls by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh to organise the event in the country. Its president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan said that preparations were already underway to bring back the prestigious event to Malaysia, which last hosted it in 2024.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Sumali stated that he had discussions with Mr. Boonchai Lorhphipaat, Acting President of the International Sepaktakraw Federation, and ISTAF secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Kader, regarding Malaysia’s intention to bid for the World Cup. The plan is to hold the event in Kuala Lumpur, featuring both men’s and women’s events with increased international participation. This decision comes after the Youth and Sports Ministry agreed to allow PSM to bid as a host.

Should Malaysia be chosen to host the World Cup, Mohd Sumali emphasized PSM’s commitment to ensuring a high-quality organisation and preparing a strong line-up of players for all events. He expressed a desire to plan extensively from the beginning, focusing not only on the logistics of the tournament but also on advancing Malaysia’s team to the finals.

Additionally, Mohd Sumali mentioned the potential for selecting a different venue than Titiwangsa Stadium to accommodate a larger number of fans, should Malaysia win the bid to host the World Cup.