‘Stop complaining, enjoy moment’: Manu Bhaker’s message ahead of Asian Games

KUALA LUMPUR: In their opening match at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, Malaysia's men's takraw team defeated hosts Japan 3-0 in Group B. The national squad secured victory over the Japanese team in just two hours and 19 minutes at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Gymnasium. Malaysia won the first regu 15-11, 15-11, displaying an early advantage over a tenacious Japanese challenge.

The second regu was even more commanding, as Malaysia swept to a 15-6, 15-8 triumph, effectively sealing the match. Despite Japan's brief resurgence in the third regu, Malaysia's dominance returned to claim the subsequent two games 15-5, 15-6, culminating in a perfect sweep. Malaysia will face the Philippines in their next Group B match tomorrow at 9am Malaysian time, followed by a final tie against India on Tuesday.

The top two teams from the group will progress to the semi-finals. The Malaysian squad arrived in Japan determined to end a title drought after finishing second at the previous two editions. Their sole gold medal came 36 years ago at the Beijing 1990 Asian Games, when sepaktakraw made its debut. Thailand has won every edition since.