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SUBANG JAYA – Greater exposure, stronger grassroots development and more competitions for female players are needed to strengthen Malaysia’s women’s sepak takraw talent pipeline as Selangor’s 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma) women’s team prepares for its gold medal challenge.
Selangor Women’s Sukma 2026 assistant coach Nurul Syafiqah Jafri said the introduction of the National Sepak Takraw Development Programme (NSTDP) this year marked a new approach to identifying and nurturing young talents, including those with little or no prior experience in the sport.
However, she added that state sepak takraw associations must complement the initiative by organising more competitions nationwide, especially for women, to increase participation, awareness and opportunities for female players.
“The introduction of NSTDP this year marks a new approach to nurturing young talent by identifying and developing individuals who may have little or no prior knowledge of the sport.
“To ensure a steady pipeline of athletes capable of replacing the current generation in the future, state sepak takraw associations should organise more competitions across Malaysia, particularly for girls.
“At present, the limited number of matches for female teams means many people remain unaware of the women's side of the sport. Expanding school- and regional-level competitions involving girls would help increase participation and visibility,” she told Sinar Daily.
Syafiqah explained that growing interest in sepak takraw requires more than just competitions, with greater emphasis needed on awareness initiatives such as school clinics and outreach programmes.
She said increased exposure is important to encourage more students to take up the sport, strengthen grassroots development and raise public awareness of Malaysia’s women’s sepak takraw teams. She added that athletes also need genuine passion and interest in the sport to progress further.
Sukma 2026 will be a significant milestone for Syafiqah as it marks her first tournament as a coach after previously competing as a player.
“Looking ahead to the 2026 Sukma, this marks my first experience as a coach after previously competing as a player. The team is now in the final stages of preparation, with the competition just two weeks away.
“The players are confident of winning the gold medal and that is also my expectation for the team,” she said.
Meanwhile, Selangor Women’s Sukma 2026 team vice-captain Nur Farrah Yusrina Norhisham said the squad is determined to give its best effort and secure the gold medal in the upcoming tournament.
She added that the team aims to apply everything learned throughout their training with the support of coaches, managers and parents.
Having previously won a silver medal at the 2024 Sukma, Farrah said the 2026 edition holds special significance as it will be her final appearance in the Games.
“Women’s sepak takraw faces different challenges from the men’s game, as fewer girls are naturally drawn to the sport or show interest in taking it up.
“To achieve our future targets, we believe the team needs more intensive training to develop greater skills and consistency.
“Greater exposure at the grassroots level is therefore important to attract more female participation. Sepak takraw associations could organise school outreach programmes to introduce the sport and encourage more girls to get involved.
“Role models also play a significant role in inspiring young athletes. For the Selangor team, national regu captain Farhan Adam has been a source of motivation, with his regular visits to share his knowledge and experience helping to strengthen the players’ interest in the sport.
“Expanding similar initiatives could encourage more girls and boys to take up sepak takraw,” she said in an interview with Sinar Daily.
The comments were made on Aug 1 during the launch of homegrown footwear brand Abaro’s first dedicated sepak takraw shoe, Abaro Takraw, which also saw the company supporting Selangor’s men’s and women’s Sukma 2026 squads.
As part of its Abaro Langkah Juara campaign, the company contributed RM10,000 and 56 pairs of Abaro Takraw shoes to the Persatuan Sepak Takraw Selangor (PSS) while officially unveiling the state squads ahead of the Games.
The initiative aims to support grassroots talent development, improve access to the sport and encourage more Malaysian companies to invest in the future of sepak takraw.
National player Farhan, was also present at the launch held at the MBSJ SS15 Hall.
