KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — The Malaysian Sepak Takraw Federation (PSM) is targeting the national squad to reach three finals at the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup, which will be held from May 12 to 24.
Its president, Mohd Sumali Reduan, said Malaysia, as hosts, had the advantage of playing in front of home supporters and were also aiming to continue the success achieved in the regu and team events at the Thailand SEA Games last year.
“We are targeting at least three finals. Of course, as hosts, we also want to defend our wins in the regu and team events, although it will not be an easy task,” he told reporters after the Launch of the National Team Jersey and Introduction of Players for the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup here last night.
However, Mohd Sumali admitted that the quadrant event remained the main concern as other countries appeared to place greater emphasis on it and possessed stronger tactical strengths in the discipline.
He said the coaching staff had identified several weaknesses, particularly in terms of the three-player blocking combinations, and were now actively fine-tuning those aspects ahead of the tournament.
“Countries such as Thailand are very focused on the quadrant event, and they have many tactical variations. We have identified our weaknesses and the coaches are focusing on improving those aspects,” he said.
Defending champions Malaysia have been drawn in Group A of the premier division regu event at the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup, which will be held at the Titiwangsa Stadium from May 16 to 23.
Based on the official draw, the national squad will face challenges from Japan and Singapore in their bid to retain the title. — Bernama
