Japan Win Their First-Ever Sepak Takraw Gold, Beating Indonesia in a Home Asian Games Final

Sepak takraw has belonged to Southeast Asia for decades. On Saturday, 3 October, Japan broke into that circle in front of a home crowd at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The hosts beat Indonesia 2-1 in the men's quadrant final, winning Japan's first-ever gold medal in the sport.

How the final unfolded

The final in Nagoya went to a deciding set.

• Set 1: Japan 17-15 Indonesia
• Set 2: Indonesia 15-9 Japan
• Set 3: Japan 15-13 Indonesia

Japan edged a tight first set. Indonesia dominated the second to level the match, but Japan held their nerve to take the decider 15-13.

A first for Japan

Bernama, citing Kyodo News, reported that this was Japan's first gold in sepak takraw. It was also Japan's 73rd medal of the Games, part of the host nation's best Asian Games showing since they hosted in Hiroshima in 1994.

Japan coach Takeshi Terashima told reporters the gold was a result for everyone involved in Japanese sepak takraw. It is a big moment for a programme that has long played in the shadow of the regional giants.

Indonesia's frustration

For Indonesia, silver was a painful result after they came so close. Reports in Indonesian media said the team had only about two months of preparation for the Games, according to coach Abdul Gani. Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Taufik Hidayat, the former badminton star, praised the players for their effort.

What it means for the sport

The result is good news for sepak takraw's global ambitions. A gold for a country outside the traditional Southeast Asian powerhouses, at a multi-sport Games, is the kind of breakthrough the sport has wanted. Winning gold at home is likely to bring the sport much more attention in Japan.

For Malaysian fans, it is a reminder that the competition is getting tougher. Malaysia's own takraw stars had a memorable Games: the men's team regu won gold to end a 36-year wait, and the regu event added a silver behind Thailand. With Japan now a gold medallist, the traditional powers can no longer count on the medals staying in the region.

Sepak takraw basics: what is quadrant?

For readers new to the sport:

• Regu: The classic three-a-side format, with a tekong (server), a feeder and a striker.
• Quadrant: Four players a side on the same court, which allows different tactics and rotations.
• Scoring: Sets are played to 15 points, and a set can run past 15 if the score is level late on. That is why Japan won the first set 17-15.
• Rules: Players can use their feet, knees, chest and head, but not their hands. Each side gets up to three touches to return the ball.

Looking ahead

Asian Games sepak takraw ran from 20 September to 3 October at the Paloma Mizuho Arena in Nagoya. With the Games over, the focus moves to domestic leagues and the next regional events. In Malaysia, that means the new Sepak Takraw League (STL) season starting this week.

Key takeaways

• Japan beat Indonesia 2-1 (17-15, 9-15, 15-13) in the men's quadrant final on 3 October.
• It is Japan's first-ever Asian Games gold in sepak takraw, won on home soil in Nagoya.
• Indonesia took silver. Their coach said the team had only around two months to prepare.
• The result shows sepak takraw growing beyond its Southeast Asian base.

FAQ

Has Japan won sepak takraw gold before? No. According to Kyodo News, as reported by Bernama, this was Japan's first gold medal in the sport.

What is the difference between regu and quadrant? Regu is three players a side. Quadrant is four players a side.

Where was the Asian Games sepak takraw played? At the Paloma Mizuho Arena (Nagoya City Mizuho Park Gymnasium) in Nagoya, Japan.

Sources: Bernama, Kyodo News, Liputan6, Ground News