KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Sepak Takraw Federation president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan has reminded the national squad to be wary of Thailand’s resurgence ahead of the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup, as the traditional powerhouse is expected to undergo a major overhaul in a bid to regain dominance at Stadium Titiwangsa.
He said Thailand would certainly not remain idle after losing to Malaysia on home soil in the team regu event at this year’s Thailand SEA Games, and had already begun detailed preparations, including changes to its player lineup and coaching structure.
“After losing at home, Thailand will not sit still. They will definitely bounce back. They are making changes not only in terms of players, but also training and team management.
“We are always monitoring their developments so that we are not caught off guard by the new strength they bring,” he said after the ceremony introducing the national players for the tournament here last night.
Apart from Thailand, Mohd Sumali also expects stiff challenges from India, South Korea and Japan, particularly in the quadrant event.
However, Mohd Sumali is optimistic that the national squad can reach the finals in all three events contested — regu, quadrant and team — especially with the advantage of playing on home ground.
He admitted that the quadrant event remains the main concern, with the national squad needing to improve several technical aspects, including the blocking system and tactical variations to match other countries.
According to him, the national quadrant lineup still possesses great potential based on its experience of previously winning the Asian title.
“If we look at the quadrant event, all countries are evenly matched because it depends a lot on tactics. That is why we need to quickly rectify our weaknesses, especially in terms of three-player blocking,” he said.
Last year, the national sepak takraw squad ended a title drought in the team regu event after defeating traditional rivals Thailand 2-0 in the final of the 2025 SEA Games in December.
The victory ended a 34-year wait to win the team regu title, last achieved at the 1991 SEA Games in Manila.
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 Stadium Titiwangsa from May 16 to 23.
The national squad will face challenges from Japan and Singapore in the group stage.
-- BERNAMA
