Thailand Sepak Takraw Coach Apologizes After Losing to Malaysia
Thailand's sepak takraw team lost its 28-year gold medal streak after falling to Malaysia in both men's divisions at the Asian Games, with coach Pornchai Kaokaew vowing to recover in the upcoming singles events.
Pornchai Kaokaew, legendary Thai sepak takraw player and current head coach of Thailand's Asian Games team, apologized to fans after Thailand's men's sepak takraw teams lost to Malaysia in both the A and B divisions of the finals at the 20th Asian Games. Thailand relinquished its seven-time championship title, which it had held continuously for 28 years since 1998 when Bangkok hosted the Games.
After the match, Kaokaew acknowledged that Malaysia played better on the day and committed to rallying the team for the remaining singles events. "First, I must apologize to Thai sports fans for disappointing you on the gold medal we hoped to win in the team event at these Asian Games," he said. "Today was a good match from both teams, but Malaysia executed the small details better than we did. Our players fought hard in both A and B divisions, but Malaysia seized crucial moments and their scouting was excellent. We have to accept that we couldn't penetrate their defense today and acknowledge this defeat."
Regarding the remaining singles medal opportunities, Kaokaew pledged to motivate and restore the team's morale quickly. "We must rally the players to fight and bring back the remaining medals, because we've already lost this one. The singles event is still our hope, so I must inspire the team and revive their spirits as fast as possible to return to competition in singles," he explained. "I remain confident in Thai sepak takraw that we can recover and bring home gold in the remaining singles events. I ask Thai sports fans to continue supporting us. Even though we made a mistake today, we will learn from it and aim to win gold in the singles competition. Thank you all for following and encouraging us throughout. We are ready to fight."
