Malaysia’s national sepak takraw team will each receive RM10,000 in rewards from the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Federation (PSM) following their gold medal win at the Asian Games, ending a 36-year drought in the men’s team event. The federation had initially planned to give RM7,000 per player, but increased the amount after the team’s historic victory.

Datuk Sumali Redzuan, PSM president and the contingent’s chef de mission, said the decision to raise the reward came after discussions with council members who agreed the players deserved enhanced recognition for their achievement. The team secured the gold by defeating Thailand 2-0 in the final held at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Gymnasium in Japan.

In addition to the financial reward, Sumali announced that the national sepak takraw team will adopt the nickname “The Golden Tigers,” inspired by other Malaysian national teams such as the football team, known as Harimau Malaya, and the hockey team, the Speedy Tigers. The new moniker was chosen following input from various stakeholders, including former Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.

Despite their success, the team remains focused as they prepare to compete in the regu event, which begins the day after their triumph. Drawn into Group B alongside Vietnam and Myanmar, the players are mindful of the need to maintain their performance and avoid complacency, especially after a strong showing at the SEA Games last year.

Sumali emphasized the team’s determination to continue performing well, noting that their campaign in Aichi-Nagoya is not yet complete. The men’s team’s victory marks a significant milestone for Malaysian sepak takraw and highlights the growing prominence of the sport within the country.