KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia will field the highest number of international technical officials (ITOs) at the 38th Thai King’s Cup Sepaktakraw World Championship in Hatyai next week, with nine appointed to officiate.
The figure surpasses that of any other participating nation, most of which have only one ITO representative, according to Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF) technical vice-chairman Syed Azmir Syed Ahmad.
He said the appointments reflected Malaysia’s strong standing in the sport and the close ties between ASTAF and the Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (PSM).
“The leadership of Datuk Mohd Sumali has enhanced Malaysia’s image in the sepak takraw world, and we’re seeing the results through this recognition,” said Syed Azmir in a statement, who is among the nine officials selected for the championship taking place from July 22 to 27.
“May the strong relationship between Datuk Abdul Halim Kader (ASTAF president) and Datuk Mohd Sumali continue to elevate the sport globally.”
The full list of Malaysian ITOs includes Yusoff Ali, Suhaimi Sun, Fadzil Hashim, Abdul Hafiz Ahmad, Nazrol Shah Mazlan, Jais Abdul Karim, Mohd Zubir Shari, Muzaini Mansor and Syed Azmir himself. — July 17, 2025