PSM TO BID FOR 2026 SEPAK TAKRAW WORLD CUP

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- The Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) will bid to host the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup in Malaysia following calls by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh to organise the event in the country.

Its president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan said that preparations were already underway to bring back the prestigious event to Malaysia, which last hosted it in 2024.

"I have spoken with Mr Boonchai Lorhphipaat (Acting President of the International Sepaktakraw Federation and ISTAF secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Kader, about our intention to bid for next year's World Cup, as it is a directive from the (Youth and Sports) Minister. We plan to hold it in Kuala Lumpur, featuring both men's and women's events, with more countries participating,” he said during a press conference at the PSM office today after media reported that the Youth and Sports Ministry had agreed to allow PSM to bid as host.

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Should Malaysia be chosen to host the World Cup, Mohd Sumali said PSM would prepare to ensure the best possible organisation and to also prepare the strongest line-up of players in all the events contested.

“This time I want to plan from the beginning. This planning is not just about holding the tournament but how our team can go to the final. That is what I want first and foremost,” he said.

He also did not rule out the possibility that the World Cup venue would be held somewhere other than Titiwangsa Stadium to ensure more fans could attend if Malaysia wins the bid.

-- BERNAMA