KUALA LUMPUR – Hosts Malaysia have received favourable draws for the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF) World Cup, happening from May 18 to 26 at Titiwangsa Stadium.
At the draw event held at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) today, Malaysia found themselves in Group C alongside minnows Brunei and Japan in the main Team Premier event, where the winner will receive a championship trophy.
Meanwhile, rivals Thailand are placed in Group B with tricky opponents, including defending men’s quadrant champions India. However, Thailand should not have any trouble swatting aside China’s challenge.
This year, the men’s quadrant event will not be contested.
In the Regu Premier, Malaysia were drawn in Group B with minnows China and Brunei, while arch-nemesis and defending champions Thailand are in Group A with tricky opponents Vietnam and Indonesia.
In the Doubles Premier, the hosts are in Group A with Japan and Brunei, while the Thais are in Group D with Singapore and South Korea.
Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan wants the national team to use home advantage to get to all three finals.
“This is a World Cup on home soil. From the draw, I can see us advancing (to the finals) of all events.
“We should use our home advantage to achieve success in this tournament,” he said.
A total of 21 countries will compete in the World Cup, with 12 competing in the Premier events including Malaysia. Meanwhile, nine will compete in Division 1 including Iran, Germany, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. – April 25, 2024
Team Premier
Regu Premier
Doubles Premier
Regu Division 1
Doubles Division 1
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