Thailand Beats Malaysia to Win Sepak Takraw Men's Gold
Thailand's men's sepak takraw team won gold at the Asian Games in Nagoya on September 29, defeating Malaysia 15-9, 15-8 to secure the country's seventh consecutive singles title.
At the 20th Asian Games sepak takraw competition in Nagoya on September 29, Thailand's six-time defending champion men's team faced Malaysia in the singles final. The match was critical for Thailand to restore its standing after losing in the team event. Thailand sent Thanapol Sappayaen, Krishnapon Nonthakoht, and Wuthinan Khamsena, while Malaysia fielded Aslan Elias, Aswawi Aidil Aiman, and Mohammad Rosdi.
In the opening set, Krishnapon's serves on Malaysia's right side proved effective and scored repeatedly, while Rosdi attempted to target Wuthinan from distance. Thailand's play remained sticky and aggressive. After Rosdi struggled to serve effectively, Malaysia brought in Razak Salkifly, but conditions did not improve. Thailand won the first set 15-9.
In the second set, Thanapol continuously blocked Malaysia's sunback shots, opening with a 4-0 lead. Although Malaysia closed to 5-5, they then committed forced errors. Thailand brought in Pornthep Thinbangbon to serve, and Thanapol delivered both powerful strikes and delicate drop shots, extending the lead. Thailand exploited the momentum and closed the match when Rosdi's serve went long, winning 15-8 and claiming gold.
Thailand secured the men's singles title for the seventh consecutive time (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2022, 2026, having skipped 2018 due to eligibility criteria). Thailand earned its 10th gold medal at these Games. Each gold medal comes with 2 million baht from the national sports development fund, totaling 20 million baht for the five-member team. Thailand still has one more gold medal chance from the women's four-person team event.
