Home Glory: Malaysia Hosts Sepak Takraw World Cup for Third Time and Crowns Double Champions
Sepak takraw, long regarded as a Malaysian heritage and national sport, once again set the nation alight. The 2026 TM ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup ran from 16 to 23 May at Stadium Titiwangsa in Kuala Lumpur, marking the third time Malaysia has hosted the premier event sanctioned by the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF), after previous editions in 2011 and 2024.
Double Glory on Home Soil
For the national side, this was a history-making edition. Malaysia first lifted their maiden World Cup quadrant trophy by overcoming India 2-0, before going on to claim the keenly watched team regu crown against arch-rivals Thailand. Crucially, the result ended Thailand’s reign after they had won the recent editions of the event.
A Controversial Team Regu Final
The team regu final was dramatic. Malaysia’s opening regu trio excelled in both spikes and blocks to edge a tense 15-9, 13-15, 15-11 win, before Thailand levelled the tie to force a deciding regu. During that decider, after the referee awarded Malaysia a point on review to tie the scores, the Thai camp protested and walked off, halting play for around half an hour. With Thailand refusing to continue, officials confirmed Malaysia as 2-1 winners and world champions.
Why It Matters for Malaysia
Sepak takraw is woven into Malaysia’s kampung and school culture, and is widely treated as a heritage-level national sport. To be crowned world champions in front of a home crowd at Stadium Titiwangsa — celebrated as the spiritual home of the game in Malaysia — carries deep meaning for players and fans alike. It also vindicates ISTAF’s decision to hand Malaysia hosting duties a third time, in recognition of a proven track record of successful tournaments.
Background and Context
A total of 14 countries and territories took part in this edition, with the programme spanning men’s regu, team regu and quadrant events. Notably, while Thailand surrendered the team regu title, they reclaimed their world crown in the men’s regu, an event whose final pitted Thailand against Myanmar.
What Is Next
With home glory secured, Malaysian sepak takraw now turns its focus to defending these titles and carrying momentum into the Asian Games and SEA Games. Fans can keep following the national squad’s latest fixtures and results. For more Malaysian sport, see Malaysia Sports, and for live scores and schedules visit Live Scores.
