Malaysia were crowned champions of the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup team regu event after Thailand controversially withdrew during the final at Stadium Titiwangsa last night.
The victory ended Thailand’s dominance in the competition, after the Thais had won the previous three editions of the prestigious tournament.
More than 3,000 home supporters packed the venue as Malaysia, led by coach Ahmad Jais Baharun, produced a spirited performance in pursuit of a historic title on home soil.
In the opening regu, the Malaysian trio of Muhammad Zulkifli Abd Razak, Muhammad Afifuddin Mohd Razali and Aidil Aiman Azwawi delivered a strong display in spikes and blocks to secure a 15-9, 13-15, 15-11 win.
However, the second Malaysian regu of Muhammad Haziq Hairul Nizam, Mohamad Azlan Alias and Farhan Adam fell 6-15, 10-15 to Thailand’s Kritsanapong Nontakote, Tanapon Sapyen and Wuttinun Kamsanor, levelling the tie at 1-1.
The deciding match saw Malaysia’s Muhammad Zarif Marican Ibrahim Marican, Hafizul Hayazi Adnan and Amirul Zazwan Amir start strongly, taking the first set 15-13.
Drama unfolded in the second set when Thailand, trailing 14-13, were awarded a point review that resulted in Malaysia being given a point after a ruling that a Thai player had stepped outside the court boundary.
The decision tied the set at 14-14 before the Thai team staged a walkout in protest.
Play was suspended for around 30 minutes before officials confirmed Malaysia as winners after Thailand refused to continue, with the final result recorded as 2-1.
Malaysia team manager Datuk Abu Jimi Samat said the point decision was made after officials determined that the Thai player had committed a foot fault.
He said the call was supported by video review, adding that the referee’s decision was correct.
However, he acknowledged Thailand’s dissatisfaction, which ultimately led to their protest and withdrawal from the match.
He also questioned why the challenge was accepted, saying such decisions are typically within the referee’s sole jurisdiction.
