National team defeats arch-rivals Thailand to reclaim men’s team regu crown
History was finally rewritten for Malaysian sepak takraw as decades of near-misses gave way to a defining moment of triumph on the regional stage.
A Long-Awaited Breakthrough at the SEA Games
Malaysia ended a 34-year gold medal drought in the men’s team regu sepak takraw event after defeating hosts Thailand 2-1 in the final of the 2025 SEA Games in Chonburi. The victory marked Malaysia’s first gold in the event since the 1991 SEA Games in Manila.
Symbolic Win Against a Familiar Rival
The final, held at the Nakhon Pathom Gymnasium, carried special significance. National head coach Ahmad Jais Baharom was part of the last Malaysian squad to win gold in 1991. The win also ended Thailand’s dominance, which had blocked Malaysia’s progress in the event for more than three decades.
Early Setback for Malaysia’s First Regu
Malaysia’s opening regu, comprising Haziq Hairul Nizam, Noraizat Nordin, and Amirul Zazwan Amir, narrowly lost 2-1 to Thailand’s Pornthep Thinbangbon, Phutawan Sopa, and Marukin Phanmakon. The tightly contested match ended 9-15, 15-11, 13-15, according to Stadium Astro.
Second Regu Levels the Playing Field
The tide turned in the second regu as Shahir Rosdi, Azlan Alias, and Farhan Adam produced a composed performance. They defeated Thailand’s Siriwat Sakha, Thawisak Thongsai, and Rachan Viphan 17-14, 15-13, forcing the final into a decisive third match.
Deciding Regu Stages Remarkable Comeback
In the deciding regu, Zulkifli Razak, Afifudin Razali, and Aidil Aiman Azwawi showed resilience after falling behind 7-0. They rallied to win the first game 15-13 against Kritnasanapong Nontakote, Varayut Jantarasena, and Wuttinun Kamsanor.
Tactical Substitution Seals Historic Gold
A strategic substitution saw Zarif Marican Ibrahim Marican replace Zulkifli in the second game. The move paid off as Malaysia maintained momentum to win 15-11, clinching a long-awaited gold and ending Thailand’s reign in the team regu event.
Malaysia’s victory marks a pivotal moment for regional sepak takraw, reinforcing Southeast Asia’s competitive sporting culture while inspiring renewed belief in traditional sports. The triumph underscores how shared rivalries continue to shape sporting narratives across Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Sources: Free Malaysia Today (2025) , Malaysia Kini (2025)
Keywords: Malaysia Sepak Takraw, SEA Games 2025, Team Regu Final, Thailand Rivalry
