The inaugural ASTAF Sepaktakraw Asian Cup Kuala Lumpur 2025, initiated by the Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia (PSM), will be held from 10th to 18th May 2025 at the Titiwangsa Stadium Kuala Lumpur.
In conjunction with this tournament, PSM officially launched the new jersey and introduced the Malaysian National Sepaktakraw Team on Sunday, 4th May 2025, at the Seri Pacific Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The ceremony was graced by Dr. Norza ZAKARIA, Vice President of OCA and President of the NOC Malaysia.
In his speech, Mr. Mohd Sumali REDUAN, President of PSM, announced that the ASTAF Sepaktakraw Asian Cup 2025 will feature 4 categories of events such as Doubles, Quadrant, Regu and Team. A total of 14 countries/nations across Asia have confirmed their participation, including Brunei Darussalam, China, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Vietnam and the host country, Malaysia.
During the launch ceremony, PSM signed a sponsorship agreement with the Telekom Malaysia Berhad naming it the title sponsor. In addition, the PSM presented tokens of appreciation to various sponsors including Tamu Hotel and Suite Kuala Lumpur, Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Primiera Hotel Kuala Lumpur, LOCCA Cafe, FGV Holdings Berhad, Saji Malaysia, KJ Printing, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, KukuBima, Active Sports Centre, Ekspres Perdana, MARA Liner Sdn Bhd and Marathon.
As the national governing body for Sepaktakraw in Malaysia, the PSM also took the opportunity to unveil the new national team jersey, fully sponsored by PUMA, a globally renowned sports brand and to introduce the members of the Malaysian national Sepaktakraw team for the upcoming ASTAF Sepaktakraw Asian Cup 2025.
The newly launched jersey was showcased by the Malaysian Men’s National Sepaktakraw Team, comprising 18 players namely Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi, Muhammad Zarid Marican Ibrahim Marican, Zuhri Muhammad Zain, Muhammad Zulkifli Abd Razak, Muhammad Riezman Faizul, Mohamad Azlan Alias, Muhammad Noraizat Mohd Nordin, Muhammad Shahalril Aiman Halim, Muhammad Redwan Hakim Muhammad, Muhammad fetri Mohd Azwadi, Afifuddin Mohd Razali, Muhammad Khairul Aman, Mohd Rosdi, Amirul Zazwan Amir, Farhan Adam, Aidil Aiman Azwawi, Muhammad Zaim Razali and Norfaizzul Abd Razak.
“I would like to express my pride in PSM for initiating the ASTAF Sepaktakraw Asian Cup, which also features a special trophy as a symbol of their commitment to the development of Sepaktakraw in Asia” said Dr. Norza ZAKARIA in his speech.
“The organisation of the ASTAF Sepaktakraw Asian Cup demonstrates PSM’s strong commitment to strengthening its role in the administration of Sepaktakraw at the regional, continental and global levels” he added.
Dr. Norza ZAKARIA also took the opportunity to motivate the national Sepaktakraw players, encouraging them to uphold a strong fighting spirit and high discipline to replicate their outstanding performance when they won 2 gold medals at the ISTAF World Cup held in Kuala Lumpur last year.
He also noted that, according to records at NOC Malaysia, Sepaktakraw was contested 5 times at the SEAP Games, in 1965, 1967, 1971, 1973 and 1975. The Malaysian Sepaktakraw team secured 4 gold medals and 1 silver (in 1967).
Sepaktakraw has also featured in every SEA Games from 1977 to 2023, during which the Malaysian Sepaktakraw team won a total of 76 medals: 12 gold, 30 silver, and 34 bronze. At the Asian Games, since its inclusion in 1990, the Malaysian Sepaktakraw team has contributed 19 medals: 4 gold, 10 silver, and 5 bronze.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to PSM for their excellent efforts in organising the ASTAF Sepaktakraw Asian Cup. I hope this tournament not only benefits the players and technical officials but also serves as a platform to strengthen relationships between PSM, ASTAF, ISTAF and the various National Sepaktakraw Associations throughout Asia” concluded Dr. Norza ZAKARIA.
Photo Credit: Wan Hor FONG