{
  "id": 10655789,
  "title": "Sepak takraw heroes went through 'thousands of hours of training and endured pain'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/sepak-takraw-heroes-went-through-thousands-of-hours-of-training-and",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T08:35:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2026/09/1543857/sepak-takraw-heroes-went-through-thousands-hours-training-and-endured"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: National sepak takraw team member Aidil Aiman Azwawi emphasized that competing is not merely showing up, but fighting to represent Malaysia. This emotional sentiment was shared after their Asian Games campaign concluded with one gold and one silver medal. He explained that each medal earned required thousands of hours of training, enduring pain, battling fatigue, and making sacrifices that remain unseen by the general public. This statement was posted on social media following their loss to Thailand in the regu event final at the Nagoya City Mizuho Arena.\n\nDespite winning one gold and one silver at the 2026 Asian Games, the journey was fraught with immense challenges and sacrifices. Aidil Aiman highlighted that success on the podium hinges on the color of the medal, yet the path to this achievement is paved with significant obstacles. He stressed that athletes must endure difficult times before they can step onto the podium and bring glory to their country on Asia's biggest stage.\n\nWhen victory occurs, it is only then that people see the medal, but few realize the countless falls they endured to reach the top. This triumph is not just about winning or finishing second in an ordinary tournament; it is the Asian Games, and these medals were earned through sweat, tears, and sacrifice. Aidil Aiman expressed his gratitude to those who have continuously supported the national team while urging the public to appreciate the hard work of the athletes, even when they fail to meet every target. He emphasized that while they are not perfect, they will always strive to give their very best for the nation.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: “We don’t just show up to compete. We fight to carry the name of Malaysia.”",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Sepak takraw heroes went through 'thousands of hours of training andendured pain'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/sepak-takraw-heroes-went-through-thousands-of-hours-of-training",
        "published": "2026-09-29T08:35:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}