PM Anwar commends Malaysia sepak takraw performance in 2025 Asian Cup
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the national sepak takraw squad displayed a commendable performance and showed extraordinary achievement in the final match of the 2025 Asian Cup Sepak Takraw Championship, which ended on Sunday (May 18).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that despite Malaysia's defeat to Thailand, he remains confident that the national squad can rise and achieve success in the future.
"Today's defeat does not mean permanent failure. The national regu will surely rise stronger and more solid in future championships. Thank you for the high fighting spirit and tireless efforts to bring glory to Malaysia," he said in his Facebook on Sunday.
Malaysia took the runner-up position in the team regu event after losing 0-2 to Thailand in the Asian Cup final at the Titiwangsa Stadium here on Sunday while India and South Korea shared third position as losing semifinalists.
The nation's first regu comprising Amirul Zazwan Amir (feeder), Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi (tekong) and Mohamad Azlan Alias (killer), lost 11-15 in the first set, before rallying to win 15-12 but ultimately succumbed 15-17 in a thrilling deciding battle.
Meanwhile, the second regu consisting of Farhan Adam, Muhammad Haziq Hairul Nizam and Muhammad Noraizat Mohd Nordin, managed to win the first set 15-13, before going down 13-15 in the second and 4-15 in the deciding set to Thai trio, Sittipong Kamchan, Tanaphon Sapyen and Sirisak Anuloon. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Cklamovski and team shut out external distractions to deliver on the field
KUALA LUMPUR: There are negative vibes outside the walls of the national team camp but inside, head coach Peter Cklamovski is instilling positivity. As Malaysia gear up for their pivotal clash against Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifiers at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil today, the Australian coach sent out a strong message – they will continue to focus on rebuilding. He said the outside noise in regards to the mixed-heritage call-up and eligibility issues won't derail what is being built from within, which is unity and an ambition that is tied deeply to a long-term vision. "All these don't distract us internally. We've had a good preparation and we're ready to come out at the stadium and do the country proud," said Cklamovski. "We've got new players from abroad - Malaysians who are proud every time they wear the jersey and train. We're building a family atmosphere, and we'll show that tomorrow night." While critics and pundits have been fixated on naturalised players and perceived divides, Cklamovski insists the squad are only focused on progression, unity, and delivering for the fans, especially with the strategic backing of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim. "This isn't about one game, it's about changing mindsets and rewriting Malaysia's football story," said Cklamovski. "We are building a long-term legacy. And to do that, we need all Malaysians behind us." Malaysia haven't beaten Vietnam since 2014, a record that Cklamovski is eager to put behind them. "Instead of being fearful, we want to embrace the challenge. Create a new history. We're ready for Vietnam to play their best game, we want to be at our best every day." Since the centralised camp began on May 11, Cklamovski and his team have worked through every layer of preparation, from physical conditioning to instilling tactical identity. "Despite many players being in the off-season, they've shown great professionalism. Everything has gone to plan. "Our style is built on principles and progression. We've rotated all 30 players to assess and build chemistry. Every one of them knows what is expected." One of the standout additions has been Facundo Garces, a towering centreback who plays in Spain's La Liga and now dons the Malaysian colours. "Facundo is a high-level player. He brings elite standards and a mentality of never wasting a second. Some players have sacrificed a lot to be here, and he's connected with the team so well. That rubs off on others." Cklamovski urged fans to recognise the stakes and get behind the project being built with an eye not just on Vietnam, but the bigger picture.
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Only a good result will Do for Duy Manh
Do Duy Manh. - Duy Manh's Facebook PETALING JAYA: Centreback and senior figure Do Duy Manh is ready to sizzle again at Malaysia's iconic Bukit Jalil Stadium. The 28-year-old will be one of Vietnam's solid star defenders when they face off with Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier today. Duy Manh was at the same venue two weeks ago when the Asean All-Stars took on Manchester United in the Maybank Challenge Cup, which they eventually won. "This is the most important game in this qualifying campaign," said Duy Manh. "It's an away game, so it will be difficult, but we have prepared well. We trust coach Kim (Sang-sik) and we'll follow his instructions." Duy Manh has also played here during the 2018 AFF Cup final and knows what to expect from the team and fans. "It's a big stadium, always full, and we know how the atmosphere will be. This is Malaysia's favourite ground. But for 90 minutes, we will remain focused and overcome the pressure." With everything on the line, Vietnam are approaching the battle with caution, clarity and quiet confidence.
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Influx of fresh blood for Malaysia keeps Vietnam coach on guard
Coach Kim Sang-sik (right) KUALA LUMPUR: The Vietnam football squad know the significance of their next battle against a new-look Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier and they are not leaving anything to chance. Vietnam coach Kim Sang-sik is aware of the five new mixed-heritage players in the Harimau Malaya squad as they prepare for the match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil here on Tuesday (June 10). Sang-sik has called on his side to stay united and focused. He also acknowledged the hurdles in their path but insisted that with belief and hard work, they can make a difference. "This is the most important and difficult game in our quest to advance to the Asian Cup," said the South Korean during a pre-match press conference at the National Stadium on Monday (June 9). "We want to play as a unit and aim for points." Sang-sik admits that the Golden Dragons' preparations have been complicated by the influx of fresh blood for Malaysia. "It makes it difficult for us. We do not have much information on some of these players, but we'll assess our squad and prepare based on our plan," he said. "Football is always difficult, whether we have the information or not. The results depend on us." Despite the pressure of the occasion and the hostile atmosphere awaiting them in Bukit Jalil, Sang-sik was unfazed. "I'm a positive person, so pressure is not what I think about. The aim is the effort on the field and yes, to continue our good run against Malaysia." Sang-sik and some of his players had their confidence boosted when they featured for the Asean All-Stars in the 1-0 win over Premier League giants Manchester United in a recent friendly. Sang-sik, who was coach of the Asean All-Stars, said: "We were lucky to win because United struggled with the travelling and weather. But I'm satisfied. It was a great chance to show Southeast Asian players can move abroad and develop globally."
