Thailand Sepak Takraw Team Loses 28-Year Title to Malaysia
Thailand's men's sepak takraw team lost their 28-year Asian Games title reign to Malaysia, who claimed their first gold in the sport since 1990 and ended Thailand's seven consecutive championship wins.
Kamolyut Tankimhong, manager of Thailand's men's sepak takraw team, spoke after his side lost the Asian Games title they had held for seven consecutive competitions over 28 years, since Bangkok hosted in 1998. Thailand fell 0-2 to Malaysia, marking Malaysia's return to the championship after 36 years, following their last gold medal at the 1990 Beijing Asian Games.
Tankimhong said, "There are no excuses today. Anyone watching Malaysia play and us play—there are no excuses. We will just take this back and make improvements."
The Thai coach noted that although his team saw opportunities, they could not execute them. Regarding Malaysia's continuous study of Thai form, both the athletes and coaching staff were aware of it, he said, adding that the key was who could adjust the game better.
"We lost in everything—our system of play, serves, openings, throws, execution. Every system today. There's no excuse to make; it's plain to see that Malaysia's play was perfect. Wherever they were caught out at the back of the court, they came back and fixed it. We accept that Malaysia deserved to win."
Tankimhong added that since the team event did not succeed, the singles players must now deliver. Confidence is essential, he said, as the team had prepared thoroughly, and results would speak for themselves.
"I apologize that today the Thai team could not deliver the gold medal in the team event. I apologize to everyone, to those who gave us support both in Thailand and here. I truly apologize," Tankimhong said, bowing in apology.
