REGU BOYS ROCK AFTER 24 YEARS
Malaysia win gold in inter-regu
FOR 24 long years, Malaysia have been waiting for Asian Games success in sepak takraw, and the drought finally came to an end yesterday when the national inter-regu team subdued rivals Indonesia in a tension-packed final.
MALAYSIA finally ended their 24-year Asian Games gold medal drought in sepak takraw yesterday.
The trio of Zulkifli Abd Razak (tekong), Farhan Adam (feeder) and Mohamad Azlan Alias (killer) bounced back from a set down to beat a motivated Indonesia (Hardiansyah Muliang, Nofrizal and Abdul Halim Radjiu) 18-21, 22-20, 21-11 in the men’s interregu final at the Jakabaring Sports City in Palembang.
The atmosphere in the venue was electrifying with Indonesia fans throwing their full support behind their team but the gritty Malaysians fought gallantly to earn the country’s first sepak takraw title since the 1994 Hiroshima edition.
It was a nail-biting affair in the second set as the Malaysians fought back from 1711 down to force a decider.
National coach Abdul Talib Ahmad praised his players and also thanked the concerned parties for preparing the team for the Asian Games.
“I was in tears when my trio clinched the winning point in the third set. It is memorable as we created history today by ending our gold medal drought.
“I reminded the players to give their total commitment and they did just that in the final.
“We are grateful to the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Association and others who supported us in all aspects for the Games. This is our gift to all parties.” said Abdul Talib.
Malaysia have so far won one gold and one silver in the sport at the Games.