KUALA LUMPUR — The Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) is pushing for the establishment of a sepaktakraw academy as part of its plans to elevate the sport in the country, with hopes that Budget 2025 will provide crucial funding.
PSM president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan stressed that government support is key to the sport’s continued growth and success.
“I hope there will be an allocation for the setting up of a sepaktakraw academy as we will surely see results within two to three years,” Sumali said in an interview with Bernama.
He added that without government assistance for the development and establishment of an academy, plans to further expand the sport, which is highly popular among Malays and at the grassroots level, would be hindered.
“Of course, I hope this budget will focus on the development of sepaktakraw. The sport is gaining popularity and showing rapid progress. We are also preparing for several major tournaments,” he said.
In addition to the academy, Sumali hopes the government will consider allocating funds for the construction of a dedicated sepaktakraw stadium.
He said that the proposed stadium does not need to be large or extravagant but should have moderate capacity and could be named “Stadium Sepaktakraw Malaysia.”
He also highlighted the recent success of Malaysia’s national team at the 2024 Sepaktakraw World Cup, where the country won two gold medals—men’s regu and doubles events—, as evidence of the sport’s growing potential and popularity.
Sumali hopes these achievements will serve as a catalyst for government support in the upcoming budget.
Budget 2025, set to be tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on October 18, is expected to address various funding needs across the nation, including sports development. — October 9, 2024