Sepak Takraw: Muhammad Syahir Admits Being Far From Matching Suebsak

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- Experienced national Tekong Muhammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi, admits that he has not yet reached the level of standing alongside Thai legend, Suebsak Phunsueb, despite being crowned the World's Best Tekong.

Muhammad Syahir, who received the recognition from the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) last month, said he is still a long way from meeting the number of gold medals his idol has collected.

"So far I haven't achieved it yet because the number of gold medals I have won is still not comparable to him. We know that the Thai skipper has a large collection of gold medals including those from the Asian Games and the SEA Games.

"So I am still not on par with him," he said when met here, recently.

The national squad's top tekong was awarded the Certificate of Distinguished International Excellence by ISTAF in recognition of his outstanding achievements on the international stage.

According to ISTAF, the 189-centimetre skipper received the certificate following his extraordinary performance as the "Best Tekong in the World", especially after his excellent performance at the 2024 World Cup, 2025 Asian Cup and 2025 SEA Games.

Muhammad Syahir led Malaysia to success in the regu events at the 2024 World Cup and 2025 Asian Cup, in addition to playing an important role in helping the national squad end their wait for a gold medal after defeating their arch opponent, Thailand, in the team and regu events at the 2025 SEA Games.

The 29-year-old athlete said that throughout his nine years with the national squad, he faced various challenges that have shaped him as a player.

"I have seen many challenges that I and the team have faced. To get to the level we are at now is not easy.

"When we are at this level, we need to be more careful, keep working and always be alert to the opposing teams," he said.

-- BERNAMA