Malaysia’s national sepak takraw team remains focused as they advance from the group stage at the 2026 Asian Games, aiming to reach the final after topping Group B with a 3-0 victory over India. The match took place at the Nagoya City Mizuho Arena, where Malaysia secured a strong position heading into the semi-finals scheduled for the following day.
Head coach Ahmad Jais Baharun expressed satisfaction with the team's overall performance but emphasized the need to avoid complacency and maintain focus. “There are still certain areas that we need to improve before the semi-finals,” he said, highlighting the importance of preparation for the critical knockout stage.
In the win over India, Malaysia’s first regu, consisting of Zulkifli Abd Razak, Afifuddin Razali, and Aidil Aiman Azwawi, faced a tough challenge but ultimately prevailed with set scores of 15-13, 11-15, and 15-6 against Indian players Malemnganba Singh Sorokhaibam, Arun Kumar, and Akash Yumnam. The second regu, featuring Syahir Mohd Rosdi, Mohd Azlan Alias, and Farhan Adam, extended Malaysia’s lead by defeating Lokhon Singh, Ram Kumar Sharma, and Henary Singh in straight sets, 15-9 and 15-12. The third regu, composed of Zarif Marican, Amirul Zazwan Amir, and Hafizul Hayazi Adnan, sealed the match with a 15-11, 15-5 win over Jasvir, Shyam Chundawat, and Ashok Mayengbam.
Malaysia could face either Indonesia or South Korea in the semi-finals, depending on the outcome of their Group A match set to take place later. Both Indonesia and South Korea currently have two points each from two matches and remain vying for a spot in the final four. Meanwhile, seven-time champions Thailand, who lead Group A with four points, are expected to defeat Laos and advance to meet Japan in the other semi-final.
Malaysia has a strong historical record in this event, having reached the men’s team final at every Asian Games since sepak takraw’s introduction in 1990, with the exception of the 2014 Incheon Games when their campaign ended in the semi-finals after a 2-0 loss to Thailand. The team is determined to avoid a repeat of that disappointment as they seek to secure their place in the 2026 final.