KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Sepak Takraw Association (PSM) president Datuk Sumali Reduan remains steadfast in the body’s commitment to establishing its own stadium.
Earlier, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh suggested a potential collaboration with local universities equipped with suitable facilities to serve as the official venue for the national sepak takraw squad.
However, Sumali expressed reservations about this proposal, citing potential logistical constraints. The facilities and infrastructure in question are not owned by PSM, and any activities would require approval from the university.
Sumali sees the triumph of the national sepak takraw squad in securing two titles at the recent World Cup as a prime opportunity to pursue the long-held dream of constructing a dedicated stadium for the national team.
“I’m not sure what YB Hannah meant by her proposal, whether we can build a facility within the university area or utilise existing infrastructure owned by the university as our venue, but I will contact her for further clarifications.
“While it’s not impossible to use university hall facilities, I feel it’s challenging because those facilities are not ours. Let me give you an example: previously, a state association wanted to organise a tournament using an open hall but it was not approved.
“So I think this is why we need to have our own stadium, not only for international tournaments but also for domestic competitions like at the MSSM (Malaysian Schools Sports Council) level and others, if the request can be realised,” said Sumali when met by the media today.
Currently, sepak takraw tournaments primarily take place at the Titiwangsa Stadium, including prominent events like the Sepak Takraw League and the recent World Cup.
However, the Titiwangsa Stadium’s limited capacity poses challenges for hosting large-scale events. Additionally, its space constraints mean it can only accommodate two sepak takraw courts, which is far from ideal for national-level competitions.
Sumali said that he envisioned a stadium capable of accommodating three to four courts at a time.
“For me, the Titiwangsa Stadium is a good stadium, but in terms of capacity, it is limited to only 2,500 to 3,000 people at a time. I don’t want a stadium as big as the Axiata Arena, a mini stadium capable of accommodating 4,000 to 5,000 people would suffice, and if possible, complete with all facilities and amenities, such as hostels for players.
“It’s important for Malaysia to have its own stadium because sepak takraw is our heritage sport, and we have proven our capabilities as world champions. It will serve as a benchmark for this sport.
“Moreover, Thailand, despite boasting about their greatness and winning various titles, do not have their own stadium.
“The famous King’s Cup, held annually, is organised at Fashion Island, a mall in Bangkok. So I want us to showcase our standard, that we are actually pioneering this sport,” he added. – June 4, 2024