KUALA LUMPUR — Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (STAM) president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan has been appointed to lead a special committee to determine how to implement a world ranking system for the sport in the team event.
International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF) secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Kader made the announcement today after the launch of the 2024 World Cup which will be hosted at Titiwangsa Stadium from May 17-27, here today.
“I have discussed this with ISTAF acting president Boonchai Lorhpipat and we have delivered this news to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
“We have appointed STAM president Sumali to head this committee.
“If he chooses to follow football, hockey or volleyball’s ranking system, it is completely up to him.
“The committee will be made up of 15 experts from all around the world to assist Sumali,” said Abdul Halim, who is also the Asian Sepak Takraw Federation president.
Sumali added the ranking system is to gauge the achievement of each country so that when the next World Cup or international tournament comes around, the ranking system will be used to determine the groupings.
“I will hold the committee meeting after this year’s World Cup ends. Let us get this tournament over with before we make any decisions.
“Because we will use the results from the World Cup as the basis of the world ranking that we will implement,” Sumali told the media.
Meanwhile, Abdul Halim also announced plans to establish an international sepak takraw academy in Malaysia.
“I hope Minister Hannah and the Malaysian government will support the establishment of an ISTAF international academy in the country.
“STAM will oversee this academy and ISTAF will give full support to it,” he said. — March 8, 2024