Asian Games 2026: Malaysia beat Indonesia to reach sepak takraw final, eye first gold in 36 years

National sepak takraw players Muhammad Afifuddin Mohd Razali and Muhammad Zulkifli Abd Razak in action against Indonesia in the men’s team regu semi-final at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games at Paloma Mizuho Arena on September 24, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 24 Sep 2026 4:26 PM MYT

NAGOYA, Sept 24 — Malaysia defeated Indonesia 2-1 in the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games sepak takraw semi-finals today, keeping alive their hopes of ending a 36-year wait for the regu team gold.

In the tie at Paloma Mizuho Arena, Malaysia’s first trio comprising Zulkifli Abd Razak (tekong), Muhammad Afifuddin Mohd Razali (right apit) and Aidil Aiman Azwawi (left apit) lost to Saiful Rijal, Yudha Aswinatama and Muhammad Hardiansyah Muliang 15-10, 13-15, 13-15.

Malaysia fought back to level the score at 1-1 through their main regu of Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi, Mohamad Azlan Alias and Farhan Adam, who defeated their opponents 15-10, 15-6.

In the deciding regu match, Malaysia’s combination of Muhammad Zarif Marican Ibrahim Marican, Amirul Zazwan Amir and Muhammad Hafizul Hayazi Adnan, with Muhammad Haziq Hairul Nizam as the substitute, also came from behind to beat Indonesia 11-15, 15-11, 15-11.

Malaysia will face Thailand in tomorrow’s final after the defending champions defeated hosts Japan 2-0 in the other semi-final.

Malaysia last won the regu team gold at the 1990 Beijing Asian Games. — Bernama