Sepak takraw: Golden Tigers get RM160,000 reward as Noraizat faces up to seven months out with ACL injury

Malaysia's sepak takraw squad has been rewarded with RM160,000 from the national association for its historic Asian Games campaign, as head coach Ahmad Jais Baharun confirmed plans to keep 21 players and promote six backup talents for the 2027 SEA Games on home soil. The week has not been all good news, however, with national striker Muhammad Noraizat Mohd Nordin ruled out for six to seven months with a serious knee injury.

RM160,000 for the Golden Tigers

The Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) handed the cash reward to 12 players and two coaches at an appreciation ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, 12 October. The squad, known as the Golden Tigers, returned from the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with a gold in the men's team regu and a silver in the men's regu.

The team regu gold, sealed with a 2-0 win over Thailand in the final, ended Malaysia's 36-year wait for that title. Thailand reversed the result in the regu final, also winning 2-0.

PSM president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan said the association had chosen to raise its own funds rather than rely only on the government's reward scheme, and that the figure reflected what PSM could currently afford. He did not rule out more later. "Even if it is not much, we give it to them," he said.

Strategic partner Telekom Malaysia added gold bars and shopping vouchers. The players are also due incentives under the National Sports Victory Reward Scheme (SHAKAM), run by the Youth and Sports Ministry and the National Sports Council, although that amount has not been announced.

McDonald's fulfils RM50,000 pledge

A day later, on Tuesday, 13 October, McDonald's Malaysia handed RM50,000 to PSM at a ceremony at its Titiwangsa drive-thru outlet in Kuala Lumpur. The company had pledged the contribution after the Asian Games gold, and said it wanted the money to help PSM develop young players. Managing director Datuk Azmir Jaafar also invited national players to mentor participants in the company-run Mekdi National Takraw League 2026.

Squad plan for the 2027 SEA Games

Speaking at the same event, Ahmad Jais said 21 players would be retained in the national programme, with six promoted from the backup squad. He said the final list would be confirmed soon, based on performances in international events and the domestic league, and that changes remain possible.

Malaysia will compete in four events when they host the 2027 SEA Games: team regu, regu, doubles and quadrant. The coach pointed to the recent SUKMA and domestic league as evidence of a growing pool of promising players. At the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, Malaysia won gold in both the men's team regu and men's regu.

Noraizat facing long lay-off

The squad's depth will be tested by the loss of Noraizat, the 27-year-old striker and right winger who plays for Perak Bison in the Sepak Takraw League. An MRI scan confirmed an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his right leg, along with meniscus damage. Doctors have given a recovery estimate of six to seven months, and surgery is recommended.

Noraizat had already missed the Asian Games after a calf injury in the final training session before the team left, with Muhammad Shahalril Aiman Halim called up in his place. He will now miss the current STL season and has said his SEA Games availability depends on his recovery.

Key takeaways

• PSM paid RM160,000 to 12 players and two coaches for the Asian Games gold and silver.
• The team regu gold, won 2-0 against Thailand, ended a 36-year wait.
• McDonald's Malaysia handed over RM50,000 to PSM on 13 October.
• Coach Ahmad Jais will retain 21 players and promote six backups for the 2027 SEA Games.
• Striker Noraizat faces six to seven months out with an ACL injury.

FAQ

How much did the sepak takraw team receive for the Asian Games? PSM gave RM160,000 to 12 players and two coaches, while Telekom Malaysia added gold bars and vouchers. SHAKAM incentives are still to come.

What did Malaysia win in sepak takraw at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games? Malaysia won gold in the men's team regu, beating Thailand 2-0 in the final, and silver in the men's regu.

Will Noraizat play at the 2027 SEA Games? It is uncertain. He has an ACL injury with a six to seven-month recovery estimate and said his availability depends on his rehabilitation.

Sources: Bernama, Malay Mail, Free Malaysia Today