Kuala lumpur: Malaysia's number one sepak takraw tekong Muhammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi has set his sights on winning two titles at the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup that will take place at Titiwangsa Stadium from May 16 to 23. Syahir, who will be playing in the regu and team regu events, admitted that it would be a challenge to play against arch-rivals Thailand in the tournament.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Syahir expressed his ambition to triumph in both events, despite acknowledging the challenges of competing on home ground. "For this World Cup, I get to play in two events and if I can, of course I want to be champion for both," he stated. "I know it's not easy as there's additional pressure when playing at home. We don't just want to maintain our performance, but need to raise the level of our game," he said after the national team introduction ceremony here last night.

The national squad is determined not only to defeat Thailand but also to sustain the winning momentum from the 2025 SEA Games. Syahir played a crucial role in Malaysia's SEA Games gold medal wins against Thailand last December.

Defending champions Malaysia has been drawn in Group A for the premier division of the regu event and is expected to face Japan and Singapore in their campaign.