Stay focused, Sumali tells takraw squad

NAGOYA: Malaysian Sepak Takraw Federation (PSM) president Datuk Sumali Reduan has warned the national squad not to get carried away after ending a 36-year wait for the men's team regu gold at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Friday.

Instead, Sumali wants the players to remain focused as another important mission awaits them in the regu event.

"I am very grateful and proud of what our national sepak takraw team, the Golden Tiger, achieved yesterday.

"This success means a great deal to the entire Malaysian sepak takraw family. It is the result of hard work, discipline, sacrifice and the fighting spirit shown by the players, coaches, officials and everyone who has stood firmly behind the national team," he said.

Malaysia ended their 36-year drought by beating Thailand 2-0 in the final, reclaiming the title they last won at the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing.

Sumali said he witnessed first-hand the determination shown by the players, who took to the court with confidence and refused to buckle under pressure.

"I saw for myself how the players went onto the court full of confidence and with one determination — to fight for Malaysia.

"They refused to give up, remained focused under pressure and gave everything for the Jalur Gemilang.

"However, our mission is not over. We still have another important task in the regu event. I want the entire team to stay focused and go after another success," he said.

Sumali also thanked Malaysians and sepak takraw fans for their unwavering support and prayers for the national team.

"To the Golden Tiger, keep fighting with the same spirit and take the momentum from the team event into the regu competition.

"God willing, with hard work, discipline, team spirit and the prayers of all Malaysians, we can achieve another success," he said.