{
  "id": 20110135,
  "title": "Inside the data-driven plot that finally broke Thailand's takraw dominance",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/inside-the-data-driven-plot-that-finally-broke-thailands-takraw",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-15T03:41:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2026/11/1578148/inside-data-driven-plot-finally-broke-thailands-takraw-dominance"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia secured a 2-0 victory over Thailand in the men's team regu final at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, thanks to a combination of live data analysis and tactical adjustments. National Sports Institute (NSI) performance analyst Arif Aziz noticed the Thai team's rising momentum and called a timeout, which halted their surge and led to a net failure in Thailand's serve. This data-driven approach has become a critical component of Malaysia's success in sepak takraw, with the NSI introducing live coding using Hudl Sportscode software to track player performance in real-time. The system analyzes various aspects of the game, including accuracy, service placement, momentum, play sequences, and blocking patterns for all three positions - tekong, feeder, and killer. By studying these statistics, coaches can develop strategic plans tailored to each player's strengths and the opponent's weaknesses. Beyond match play, the data is also accessible to players and coaches on mobile devices, allowing for continuous review and improvement. Malaysia's success in the Asian Games can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the maturation of the domestic ecosystem, a strong domestic league, exposure to foreign players, and a comprehensive support system covering sports psychology, exercise physiology, nutrition, strength and conditioning, biomechanics, and sports medicine.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: A timely timeout backed by live data proved decisive in Malaysia’s 2-0 triumph over Thailand in the recent Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games men’s team regu final.",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysia defeated Thailand 2-0 at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.",
    "NSI's Arif Aziz used live data analysis to halt Thai momentum.",
    "Data-driven approach includes real-time performance tracking."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}