PANAJI
India scripted history by winning a silver medal in the newly introduced Quadrant format at the Sepak Takraw World Championship in Kuala Lumpur, finishing runners-up to hosts Malaysia after a hard-fought final.
Malaysia clinched the title by winning both sets before a packed home crowd, edging India 17-15 in a closely contested opening set before sealing the second 15-10.
India had started strongly and raced to a 4-0 lead in the first set, but Malaysia recovered to level at 5-5. The contest remained evenly poised till 15-15 before the hosts held their nerve to move ahead.
The Indian team comprised Ram Kumar Sharma, Yunam Akash, Bobby Kumar and Sorokhaibam Malengnganba Singh, while Malaysia fielded Mohammad Afiduddin Mahmad Razali, Mohammad Shahalril Aiman Halim, Amirul Zuwan Amir and Adil Aiman Azwawi.
Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar, president of the Sepak Takraw Federation of India and former Deputy Chief Minister of Goa, attended the final and presented the silver medals to the Indian players during the prize distribution ceremony.
Describing the achievement as a landmark moment for Indian sepak takraw, Kavlekar said India had never previously enjoyed such success in an international Quadrant format competition. He noted that the achievement was particularly significant as sepak takraw is Malaysia’s national sport and the final was played in front of a vociferous home crowd.
Kavlekar praised the Indian players for their grit and determination, saying they had pushed the Malaysian side to the limit. He added that the result had boosted the confidence of the Indian contingent ahead of the upcoming Asian Sepak Takraw Championship in Japan and the prestigious King’s Cup tournament in Thailand.
The Indian team’s performance also earned praise from Datuk Abdul Halim Kader, secretary general of the International Sepak Takraw Federation and president of the Asian Sepak Takraw Federation, who congratulated both the Indian players and Kavlekar during the medal ceremony.
Datuk Halim highlighted that the Quadrant format had been introduced at the World Championship level for the first time and described India’s performance as highly commendable.
The medal ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Malaysia’s Minister of Youth and Sports YB Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports YB Tuan Mordi Anak Bimol, International Sepak Takraw Federation vice-president Mohammad Farik, Malaysia Sepak Takraw Federation president Dato Mohd Sumali Reduan and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Hannah Yeoh.
