Minister Holds Up Sepak Takraw as the Model: How PSM Turned a 36-Year Wait Into Asian Games Gold
Taufiq Johari wants other sports associations to copy PSM after sepak takraw won its first Asian Games team gold since 1990 and a regu silver.
Sepak takraw won only one of Malaysia's nine golds at Aichi-Nagoya. But Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari says the way the sport is run is an example for every other association.
The minister's message
After the men's team regu ended a 36-year wait for Asian Games gold, Taufiq praised the Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia (PSM).
"This is very good sports association management and should be emulated by all other sports associations," he said, according to Kosmo.
Speaking to RTM, he said that "organised planning and management can be translated into success on the international stage". He described PSM as a model for building strong, united teams focused on winning.
Taufiq credited the PSM leadership under president Datuk Sumali Reduan, who was also Malaysia's chef de mission in Nagoya, as well as the coaches and players. He said unity between the federation and its athletes was key.
What sepak takraw won in Nagoya
Gold, men's team regu (25 September). Malaysia beat Thailand in the final to win this event for the first time since Beijing 1990.
- First regu: Syahir Rosdi, Azlan Alias and Farhan Adam won 15-9, 5-15, 15-11.
- Second regu: Zulkifli Razak, Afifuddin Razali and Aidil Aiman Zawawi won 15-13, 15-10.
Silver, men's regu (29 September). Thailand won the rematch 15-9, 15-8. Malaysia missed out on winning two sepak takraw golds at one Games, which it last did in 1990.
A rise over two Games
The Asian Games gold followed another breakthrough. In December 2025, Malaysia beat Thailand 2-1 in the men's team regu final at the SEA Games in Thailand. It was Malaysia's first SEA Games title in that event since 1991.
Many of the same players won both titles under head coach Ahmad Jais Baharom. NSC director-general Jefri Ngadirin told Bernama that Malaysia is now on a par with Thailand in the sport, or ahead of it.
Why the ministry is promoting this example
Taufiq's comments came as the ministry pushes a policy of targeting gold medals rather than a large medal total. He told RTM the approach worked at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, where Malaysia beat its targets, and that it will continue for the 2027 SEA Games, which Malaysia hosts. He said the ministry is also in early talks with associations about sports with Olympic potential.
The comparison is pointed. The NSC has ordered a review of athletics, swimming, archery and shooting after they won no medals in Nagoya. Problems identified include how some associations are run.
What comes next for sepak takraw
Sepak takraw is not an Olympic sport, so its main goals are regional and continental. The next one is the 2027 SEA Games at home, where Jefri has named sepak takraw as a major gold-medal prospect. Thailand, beaten in the team final but winners of the regu, will be ready for a rematch.
Key takeaways
- Taufiq Johari called PSM's management a model for all Malaysian sports associations.
- The men's team regu beat Thailand for Malaysia's first Asian Games gold in the event since 1990.
- Thailand won the regu final 15-9, 15-8, so Malaysia took silver.
- The SEA Games 2025 title and the Asian Games 2026 gold show a steady rise under coach Ahmad Jais.
FAQ
Why did the minister praise PSM? He said its planning, management and unity with the athletes produced Asian Games gold, and other associations should copy that.
Who did Malaysia beat in the team regu final? Thailand. Malaysia won both regu matches.
When did Malaysia last win Asian Games sepak takraw gold before 2026? At Beijing 1990.
Sources: Kosmo, RTM, Bernama, The Star, Malay Mail