TM ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup Kuala Lumpur 2026

The TM ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup Kuala Lumpur 2026 is scheduled to be held from 16th to 23rd May 2026 at Titiwangsa Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 14 countries has confirmed their participation in this year’s edition, marking Malaysia’s third time hosting this prestigious premier event after the previous editions in 2011 and 2024.

The Opening Ceremony of the TM ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup Kuala Lumpur 2026 was held on Friday, 15th May 2026 at 3.30 pm at the Dewan Tun Hussein Onn, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. It was officiated by Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria, President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), President of the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) and Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) for Southeast Asia zone.

In his opening speech, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria expressed his honour in welcoming the international Sepaktakraw community back to Malaysia. He noted that this year’s event serves as a special homecoming for a sport whose modern international roots trace back to the 3rd SEAP Games Kuala Lumpur 1965.

He also acknowledged the transformative leadership of Dato’ Mohd Sumali Reduan, President of the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Association (PSM) and Vice President of OCM, whose efforts since 2022 have led to landmark achievements such as the professionalisation of the sport and the declaration of Titiwangsa Stadium as the “Home of Sepaktakraw” earlier this year. He further highlighted the recent establishment of the Akademi Sepaktakraw Malaysia in Kampung Baru, which serves as the core of the high-performance ecosystem for Sepaktakraw in Malaysia.

A special word of thanks was extended to Telekom Malaysia (TM), the Official Technology Partner, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria emphasised that corporate sponsorship is the lifeblood of modern sports and that TM’s long-term commitment has been exemplary in connecting the sport to fans and providing the infrastructure necessary for athletes to succeed.

Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria also took the opportunity to commend the great efforts of ISTAF under the outstanding leadership of both Mr. Boonchai Lorhpipat and Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Kader in promoting Sepaktakraw far beyond Southeast Asia and transforming it into one of the world’s most spectacular sports.

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests of honour, including Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Kader, Secretary General of the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF), Mr. Jefri Ngadirin, Director General of the National Sports Council (NSC), Mdm. Shanti Jusinta Johari, Executive Vice President of TM One, Dato’ Seri Abdul Puhat Mat Nayan and Datuk Abdul Halim Sulaiman, Deputy Presidents I and II of the PSM.

The Opening Ceremony underscored Malaysia’s current momentum following historic gold medal victories in the Men’s Doubles and Men’s Inter Regu Team events at the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2024, as well as double gold success in the Men’s Team Regu and Men’s Regu at the 33rd SEA Games Thailand 2025. These achievements also serve as vital preparation ahead of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

“As Vice President of the OCA for the Southeast Asia Zone, I wish all players a successful outing at this TM ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup as you prepare for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026” stated Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria.

“As President of SEAGF for the 2025-2027 term, I assure you that we will fully support the organisation of Sepaktakraw events as a key highlight of the 34th SEA Games Malaysia 2027” he added.

Following the formal speeches, the event proceeded with Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria being invited on stage for the Launch Gimmick of TM ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup Kuala Lumpur 2026. This was followed by a screening of the official video montage and a dance performance featuring the official theme song titled “We Are The Nation”.

The session concluded with Dato’ Mohd Sumali Reduan presenting Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria with a replica of the TM ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup Kuala Lumpur 2026 Trophy.

After the Opening Ceremony, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria was also invited to witness the handover of the sponsorship of two buses from TMJ Mesra Travel and Tours Sdn. Bhd. to the Akademi Sepaktakraw Malaysia.