Malaysia’s Presence In ASTAF, ISTAF Vital To Sepak Takraw’s Growth - Mohd Sumali

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s presence in the Asian and world sepak takraw governing bodies is crucial to ensuring it can voice its views and contribute to the development of the sport, said Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan.

He said involvement in the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF) and International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) would enable Malaysia to put forward proposals regarding technical aspects, tournaments, and efforts to have the sport included in the Olympic Games.

He added that Malaysia needed to have representatives in ASTAF and ISTAF, particularly after it had previously focused primarily on the SEA Games and Asian Games.

“We do not want to just speak from the outside and have no voice in the governing bodies. Surely we need to have representatives in the Asian or world governing bodies if we want to put forward constructive views or suggestions.

“If we are not in (the governing bodies), it will be difficult for us to champion matters concerning technical aspects, tournaments and so on. That is why it is important for Malaysia to have a presence in both ASTAF and ISTAF,” he said when met recently.

On Monday (Nov 9), Mohd Sumali won the ASTAF deputy president’s post unopposed for the new term after the nomination period closed, with the ASTAF Congress in Bangkok on Dec 9 expected to finalise the composition of the federation’s leadership.

He said efforts to have sepak takraw included in the Olympics would be among the priorities of the new ASTAF leadership, which intends to strengthen strategic ties with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and ISTAF to meet the requirements for the sport’s recognition.

Mohd Sumali is also considering whether to contest the post of president, deputy president or vice-president of ISTAF, with nominations closing on Nov 21.

He said the decision would depend on discussions with PSM, as well as the time and commitment required, including the need to collaborate with other nations to advance the sport.

“If I have ample time and no other major positions that require my commitment, I wouldn’t hesitate to contest the ISTAF presidency. But I need to consider which position would best suit my existing commitments,” said Mohd Sumali, who also serves as Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) vice-president.

-- BERNAMA