KUALA LUMPUR – National sepak takraw head coach Ahmad Jais Baharun has made it clear that the ranking system planned for implementation by the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF) will not affect his team’s preparation ahead of the upcoming ISTAF World Cup.
Previously, Scoop reported that Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (STAM) president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan was given the task of leading a special committee to determine how to implement a world ranking system for the sport in the team event.
The ISTAF World Cup is scheduled to take place from May 19 to 26 at Titiwangsa Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
Speaking to Scoop, Jais revealed that he plans to register a contingent of 12 to 15 players for the tournament.
Jais said that he has dedicated himself to rigorous training sessions with his team, aiming to clinch the title in front of the home supporters.
“We need to become champions, and that’s the team’s target for now. I’m not burdened by the rankings or whatever is happening outside the court, as I have clearly told my players to work according to the directions that I have given them.
“I have scouted several players for the tournament over the past few months, but I will only be registering about 12 to 15 of them for the tournament. Most probably, I will also be bringing in new faces, but I can’t reveal any names for now.
“We will begin our last phase of training today, and from there we shall see the players who can be called up to bring the team ahead of the World Cup.
“I will also pair a few of the regu players and evaluate their combinations,” said Jais when contacted.
He added that his team will depart for Bangkok, Thailand, from April 25 to May 5 for a final preparation session before the prestigious ISTAF World Cup tournament.
STAM last month brought in former Thailand players Poonsak Permsap and Seksan Tubtong on one-year contracts to assist Jais in selecting the right players for the World Cup, which Malaysia is hosting for the second time since the 2011 edition.
Jais’ charges, comprising Haziq Hairul Nizam, Muhammad Hairul Hazizi, Farhan Adam, Noraizat Nordin, Azlan Alias, Amirul Zazwan Amir, Syahir Mohd Rosdi, Afifuddin Razali, Aidil Aiman Azwawi, and Hairul Hazizi Haidzir, secured a silver medal in the men’s team at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, falling 15-21, 19-21 against Thailand in straight sets.
In the 2018 edition in Jakarta and Palembang, Malaysia won the silver medal in the team regu. – March 14, 2024