KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia ended a 36-year wait for the Asian Games men’s team regu sepak takraw gold medal in emphatic fashion after beating arch-rivals Thailand 2-0 in the final at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games today.
The victory at Poloma Mizuho Arena in Nagoya was particularly significant as Malaysia’s last gold in the event also came against Thailand at the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing.
Malaysia’s decision to field its strongest combination in the opening regu paid dividends, with Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi, Farhan Adam and Mohamad Azlan Alias edging Thailand’s Marukin Phanmakon, Phutawan Sopa and Pornthep Tinbangbon 15-9, 5-15, 15-11.
The win gave Malaysia the early advantage and put the pressure on Thailand heading into the second regu.
Malaysia’s second combination of Zulkifli Abd Razak, Muhammad Afifuddin Mohd Razali and Aidil Aiman Azwawi then completed the job in straight sets.
They defeated Kritsanapong Nontakote, Tanaphon Sapyen and Wuttinu Kamsanor 15-13, 15-10 to seal the overall 2-0 victory and secure Malaysia’s fourth gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
The triumph also marked Malaysia’s return to the top of the podium in the men’s team regu event after more than three decades. – September 25, 2026