Malaysia to Field Second-String Sepak Takraw Squad for King's Cup

Malaysia is preparing to compete in the King's Cup sepak takraw tournament in Bangkok this August with a mixed squad, blending seasoned players with promising young talent. National head coach Ahmad Jais Baharun explained that this approach is part of a transition process to cultivate a strong pool of future national players. The team will consist of seven players who did not participate in the recent World Cup, alongside five members from the world champion squad. "If you can say, this is the second squad of the national team for the King's Cup. We want to give young players the opportunity to experience a major competition, absorb pressure, and gain experience playing at high intensity," Ahmad Jais stated. He emphasized that this tournament serves as the best platform for these emerging athletes to prove their capabilities. Malaysia will participate in three events: regu, kuadran, and team. The squad of 13 players is balanced with four tekong (servers), five apit kanan (right guards), and four apit kiri (left guards) to ensure team stability, particularly in the kuadran event which requires more right guards. Notable experienced players include Muhammad Zahrif Marican Ibrahim Marican and Muhammad Haziq Hairul Nizam, along with Mohammad Hafizul Hayazi Adnan, Muhammad Noraizat Mohd Nordin, and Zuleffendi Sumari. They will be paired with younger players such as Muhammad Fahmi Khalid and Muhammad Zulfikri Wajawwa Muhammad Zulhanifa. The coaching staff aims to reach the final in the regu and team events, and at least a top-four finish in the kuadran event. Ahmad Jais acknowledged the increased challenge with Thailand competing on home soil, expecting them to be eager to redeem themselves after previous disappointments. "They have worked hard and I see they are ready. This is the best opportunity for them to prove that they also deserve to represent the country and can stand alongside the senior players," he added.

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If you can say, this is the second squad of the national team for the King's Cup. We want to give young players the opportunity to experience a major competition, absorb pressure, and gain experience playing at high intensity.