Golden Tigers: Malaysia End 36-Year Wait for Asian Games Sepak Takraw Team Regu Gold

Malaysia's sepak takraw squad has finally ended one of the longest waits in the nation's sporting history. On Friday, 25 September, the men's team regu side beat Thailand 2-0 in the final at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, winning the event's gold for the first time since the 1990 Beijing Asian Games.

The victory gave Malaysia its fourth gold medal of the Games, and it came against the very opponent that has dominated the sport at continental level for decades.

How the final was won

The first regu set the tone, but not without a scare. Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi, Farhan Adam and Mohamad Azlan Alias took the opening set 15-9, only for Thailand to hit back strongly and level the tie by claiming the second set 15-5.

Under pressure in the deciding set, the Malaysian trio held their nerve to close it out 15-11, giving Malaysia a 1-0 lead in the final.

The second regu then made sure there would be no comeback. Zulkifli Abd Razak, Muhammad Afifuddin Mohd Razali and Aidil Aiman Azwawi won in straight sets, 15-13 and 15-10, to seal the gold.

Final scores (Malaysia vs Thailand):

• First regu: 15-9, 5-15, 15-11 (Malaysia win)
• Second regu: 15-13, 15-10 (Malaysia win)
• Overall: Malaysia 2-0 Thailand

Ending a 36-year drought

Malaysia's previous team regu gold came in Beijing in 1990, also against Thailand. Since then, the Thais have been the benchmark in the event, which made this result all the more significant for the national set-up.

It is also the second time in a short span that Malaysia have beaten Thailand in a team regu final at a major multi-sport Games, following their triumph at the 2025 SEA Games, which were held in Thailand.

The win came a day after Malaysia edged Indonesia 2-1 in the semi-finals to book their place in the final.

"Golden Tigers" and national praise

Following the triumph, Bernama reported that the national squad has been dubbed "The Golden Tigers", joining the ranks of Malaysia's nicknamed national teams such as the Speedy Tigers in hockey.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was quick to congratulate the team. In a message reported by Malay Mail, he wrote: "Syabas Malaysia. Continue to bring glory to Malaysia." He described the result as a highly meaningful victory and a source of pride for all Malaysians.

What it means for the contingent

The gold lifted Malaysia to four golds at the Games, with the earlier titles coming from karate and esports. The National Sports Council (NSC) had set a target of six gold medals for Aichi-Nagoya 2026, which means the contingent now needs two more to meet that goal with a little over a week of competition remaining.

For sepak takraw, the result also caps a strong run of form at regional and continental level and gives the sport a timely boost in profile back home.

Key takeaways

• Malaysia beat Thailand 2-0 in the men's team regu final on 25 September.
• The first regu won a tense decider 15-11; the second regu won 15-13, 15-10.
• It is Malaysia's first team regu gold since Beijing 1990.
• The gold is Malaysia's fourth of the Games, against a target of six.
• PM Anwar Ibrahim congratulated the squad, now nicknamed "The Golden Tigers".

FAQ

When did Malaysia last win Asian Games sepak takraw team regu gold? Before this win, Malaysia's last gold in the event came at the 1990 Beijing Asian Games, also against Thailand.

Who played in the final for Malaysia? The first regu was Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi, Farhan Adam and Mohamad Azlan Alias. The second regu was Zulkifli Abd Razak, Muhammad Afifuddin Mohd Razali and Aidil Aiman Azwawi.

How many golds does Malaysia have at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 after this? The sepak takraw win was Malaysia's fourth gold medal of the Games.

Sources: Malay Mail, The Star, theSun, Bernama