Sport
Thailand Loses Men's Sepak Takraw Team Title at Asian Games
Thailand's men's sepak takraw team has lost their long-standing Asian Games championship title after a defeat to Malaysia in Nagoya.
On September 25, 2026, the men's team sepak takraw final at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, concluded with a significant shift in regional dominance. Thailand, a seven-time consecutive champion, faced their long-time rivals, Malaysia, at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Gymnasium.
In the first match, the Thai A-team—comprising Phutawan Sopha, Pornthep Thinbangbon, and Maruekin Phanmakorn—engaged in a closely contested battle. Ultimately, Malaysia secured the victory with a 2-1 set score (15-9, 5-15, 15-11), giving Malaysia a 1-0 lead in the series. The competition continued with the B-team, featuring Kritsanapong Nontakotr, Wuttinan Khamsano, and Thanaphon Sapyen, as both nations fought to determine the gold medal.
For residents and visitors in Thailand, this result marks the end of a 28-year reign as Asian Games champions in this category. Sepak takraw is a point of immense national pride, and this loss represents a major turning point in the sport's regional landscape. While the final outcome of the B-team match and the overall series conclusion were still unfolding at the time of reporting, the loss of the A-team match has already confirmed that Thailand will not repeat its previous championship success. Further details regarding the final medal tally and the performance of the B-team are expected to be confirmed by tournament officials shortly.
