Malaysia Among 14 Nations Confirmed for First Asian U19 Sepak Takraw Championship in Manila

Malaysia's next generation of sepak takraw players will have a continental stage of their own this month. The Philippines will host the first ASTAF U19 Asian Sepaktakraw Championship in Manila from 26 to 30 November, and Malaysia is among 14 countries already confirmed for the tournament.

A first for Asian youth takraw

The event is the first Asian youth championship organised by the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF). It is aimed at under-19 teams, filling a gap in a calendar that has been built mostly around senior national squads.

Muhammad Fariq Abdul Halim, the technical delegate for the championship and deputy president of the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF), made the point directly: "For many years, our international competitions have largely focused on senior national teams."

The opening ceremony is set for 26 November, with the medal and closing ceremonies on 30 November, according to Philippine reports published this week.

Who is coming

The 14 confirmed countries are Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, Myanmar, Oman, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and the host Philippines. Organisers expect the final field to reach 15 nations.

The list covers the sport's traditional strongholds in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Thailand, as well as teams from South Asia and the Middle East. For Malaysian fans, the meeting with Thailand at youth level could be one of the most closely watched pairings, given the long rivalry between the two countries at senior level.

Venues in Manila

Matches will be held at two venues in the Philippine capital. The Rizal Memorial Sports Coliseum has two competition courts, while the nearby Ninoy Aquino Stadium provides an auxiliary court and two training courts.

The tournament event page names the Pilipinas Sepaktakraw Association as host, working with the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission. That page lists regu, quad and mixed quadrant events for men and women, although the full competition schedule has not yet been published.

Manila is in the same time zone as Malaysia (UTC+8), so match times announced locally will be the same in MYT.

Why it matters

Youth championships give national associations a clear target for developing players between school and senior level. They also give coaches a chance to measure their prospects against regional rivals before those athletes move into SEA Games and Asian Games squads.

For a sport invented and popularised in this region, a dedicated Asian under-19 championship is a natural step. It also offers smaller takraw nations from outside Southeast Asia regular competition against the established powers.

Key takeaways

• The first ASTAF U19 Asian Sepaktakraw Championship runs 26-30 November 2026 in Manila.
• Malaysia is among 14 confirmed nations, with a 15th expected.
• Matches will be split between the Rizal Memorial Sports Coliseum and Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
• ISTAF deputy president Muhammad Fariq Abdul Halim is the technical delegate.
• Manila shares Malaysia's UTC+8 time zone.

FAQ

When is the ASTAF U19 Asian Sepaktakraw Championship? From 26 to 30 November 2026, with the opening ceremony on 26 November and the medal and closing ceremonies on 30 November.

Which countries are taking part? Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, Myanmar, Oman, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines have confirmed, with one more nation expected.

Where will matches be played? At the Rizal Memorial Sports Coliseum and Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Sources: Daily Tribune, DZME 1530, sepaktakraw.one