KUALA LUMPUR: The national sepak takraw quadrant squad has been reminded not to be lulled into complacency with their current status as Asian champions.
National quadrant squad coach, Muhammad Zulkarnain Mohamed Arif, said that although he was proud of his men’s achievements, their responsibilities are still not over for this year.
According to him, there are two major tournaments awaiting the national team, namely the Thai King’s Cup scheduled to be held in July, as well as the SEA Games in Thailand later this year, which require thorough preparation and continued focus.
“This quad event is actually still new to us. We are actually still trying to find our rhythm in this event, and so far the performance has been commendable.
“But after this we have two big tournaments, the Thai King’s Cup and the SEA Games at the end of the year, where great teams like Thailand, Myanmar and Indonesia will definitely participate in both tournaments,” he said when met yesterday.
Yesterday, the national quad squad created history by becoming the champion of the event after defeating Japan in the 2025 Asian Cup sepak takraw tournament at Titiwangsa Stadium here.
The national squad, consisting of Muhammad Afifuddin Mohd Razali, Amirul Zazwan Amir, Norfaizzul Abdul Razak and Muhammad Shahril Aiman Halim, had no problem defeating the rising sun squad in straight sets, 15-8, 15-11.
Meanwhile, the national doubles squad coach, Aswadi Abdullah. said he was still proud of his men’s performance despite failing to become the champion of the event.
According to him, the line-up of players fielded in this tournament, namely Muhammad Noraizat Nordin, Muhammad Redwan Hakim Muhammad and Aidil Aiman Azmawi, presented the best action throughout the tournament
“The performances from the beginning to the final were actually the best by the players. We have a chance to win, but luck was not on our side.
“In conclusion, from the group stage until today, the players have been able to translate what is wanted and gave their best and for me, that is enough,” he said.
At the same time, he did not rule out the possibility of reshuffling the players to face the Thai King’s Cup.
Earlier, Malaysia had targeted to win a double title at the 2025 Asian Cup Sepak Takraw Championship, which did not materialise when they lost 1-2 to traditional enemies, Thailand, in the doubles final yesterday. – BERNAMA
