Saudi U-21 football squad arrives in Japan for Asian Games
The Saudi Arabia U-21 football team has landed in Japan to prepare for the Asian Games in Nagoya, which run until October 3.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia have dethroned traditional powerhouse Thailand in several major sepak takraw competitions since 2024, but their ultimate challenge lies ahead at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games from September 19 to October 4. Given sepak takraw's absence from the Olympic program, the Asian Games gold medal stands as the sport's most coveted prize.
In the 2023 Hangzhou edition, Thailand claimed both men's inter-regional and team event gold medals, defeating Malaysia in both finals. However, the balance of power has shifted, with national trio Syahir Rosdi, Azlan Alias, and Farhan Adam emerging as the world's top inter-regional duo. They secured inter-regional gold at the 2024 Kuala Lumpur World Cup and the Thailand SEA Games earlier this year, contributing to Malaysia's team event gold victory.
This outcome sent ripples of concern through Thailand, traditionally considered unbeatable on home soil. Injuries to Syahir, who suffered from a leg tendon issue, and Azlan, who fractured his elbow, have recently hampered their performance. Malaysia also faced a defeat to Myanmar in the inter-regional quarter-finals of the Kuala Lumpur World Cup in May, though both Syahir and Azlan have since recovered and are cleared to compete in Nagoya.
The team event is anticipated to be a more tightly contested affair in Aichi-Nagoya, with Thailand still boasting considerable depth. There is also potential for heightened emotions should a Malaysia-Thailand final take place, reminiscent of the heated team event final at the 2023 KL World Cup, where Thailand refused to continue after accusing officials of favoring Malaysia.
Datuk Sumali Reduan, president of the Sepak Takraw Federation of Malaysia, is cognizant of the expectations on the squad heading into the Asian Games. He believes their best shot at gold comes through the men's events, stating that success in both the inter-regional and team events depends on the players' form throughout the tournament.
Malaysia's current objective is to secure at least one gold medal, with any additional victories being a bonus, considering the immense pressure and significance of the competition. As the national contingent chef de mission for the Asian Games, Sumali also serves as the chef de mission for the national team. Malaysia will also participate in the men's quadrangle, but overcoming Myanmar, the dominant force in the discipline, will prove to be a formidable challenge.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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