Malaysia’s sepak takraw skipper Muhammad Zulkifli Abd Razak signed off his Asian Games career in emotional fashion after helping the national team end a 36-year wait for gold in the team regu event at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.
Better known as Sobey, Muhammad Zulkifli was overcome with emotion after Malaysia defeated Thailand 2-0 in the final at Paloma Mizuho Arena, knowing the historic victory would also mark his final appearance at the continent’s biggest multi-sport event.
The triumph gave the veteran player an especially meaningful conclusion to his Asian Games journey, with Malaysia reclaiming the team regu gold for the first time since the 1990 edition in Beijing.
“Alhamdulillah, I’m grateful that we managed to break the 36-year record. I feel that this is my last Asian Games.
“I cried because there is nothing after this. I won’t be at the Asian Games anymore,” he said.
Muhammad Zulkifli also described the victory as a gift and expressed gratitude for being given the strength to help Malaysia achieve the long-awaited breakthrough.
Reflecting on his performance, he attributed his movements and strength throughout the team regu competition to Allah.
“I feel everything I did during the team regu event was through Allah’s guidance because only He moved me,” he said.
He added that the physical strength he had throughout the matches was also a blessing that allowed him to contribute to Malaysia’s historic victory.
“He is the One who gives me strength and everything. Everything is from Allah. Alhamdulillah,” he said.
Malaysia’s previous team regu gold at the Asian Games came in Beijing in 1990, when the national side also defeated traditional rivals Thailand in the final.
The national team had the opportunity to complete a golden double in Aichi-Nagoya through the regu event the following day, but had to settle for silver after losing 0-2 to Thailand in the final.
