Asian Games: Malaysia misses double gold as takraw regu succumbs to Thailand

NAGOYA: Sepak takraw player Syahir Rosdi considers his Asian Games campaign in Aichi-Nagoya as one of his greatest career achievements, despite falling short of securing two gold medals. Along with teammates Azlan Alias and Aidil Aiman Azwawi, Syahir secured silver after losing to Thailand's Kritsanapong Nontakote, Wuttinun Kamsanor, and Tanaphon Sapyen in the men's regulation final at Nagoya City Mizuho Arena on today.

Thailand demonstrated a composed and disciplined performance, successfully defending their title and thwarting Malaysia's aspirations of ending the Games with a double gold. Despite the loss, Syahir viewed his one gold and one silver medals as a significant milestone, surpassing his two silver medals from previous Asian Games.

The victory marked the first time Malaysia had achieved a single gold since the 1990 Beijing Asian Games, where the team won both the regulation and team regulation events. In the previous Games, Malaysia secured the regulation gold, a title last won in 1990. Their last regulation gold was achieved at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games, an edition in which Thailand did not participate.

Syahir acknowledged that the team gave their all during the match, but acknowledged that Thailand proved better prepared. He noted that psychologically, Thailand appeared to be more determined to win. Despite their best efforts, Syahir concluded that it was ultimately Thailand's luck that prevailed in the final.