KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s Sepak Takraw World Cup winners plan to spend the incentives received on their families as well as placing them in their savings.
After their historic triumphs in the doubles and inter-regu categories at the World Cup, which took place at the Titiwangsa Stadium, the National Sports Council (NSC) had announced a special incentive of RM170,000 as a token of recognition for their success.
The incentives will include RM120,000 for the inter-regu and doubles wins, while RM50,000 will be awarded for finishing as runners-up in the team regu.
Speaking to Scoop, Azlan Alias, who was part of the inter-regu winning team, said he planned to tuck away the incentive money in his savings.
“Because I am married now, I would like to put most of it into my savings. I would also like to use some of the money to buy household items and spend some for my wife and children.
At the same time, Azlan hopes that the Youth and Sports Ministry will continue to provide support for such achievements in the future.
“Such incentives are a big boost for our morale,” he said when contacted.
Meanwhile, echoing similar sentiments, doubles player Muhammad Noraizat Mohd Nordin said he was grateful towards the ministry, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and the NSC for the incentive.
“For me, when I get the money, it’s for my family first, for my wife and children. I am also going to use it to buy milk and diapers, and if there is any left, I will put it in savings for the future.”
Noraizat said that such incentives contributed to the growing recognition of Malaysian sepak takraw on the global stage, adding that he hoped the sport would continue to receive unwavering support.
Malaysia defeated Thailand in the inter-regu final, winning the match 15-8, 15-12.
Meanwhile, the national doubles team delivered a stellar performance by defeating Thailand 17-16, 15-13 to be crowned world champions.
The national team’s achievements have been monumental, ending Thailand’s long-standing domination. Currently, the national sepak takraw team are preparing for the King’s Cup, which is set to begin in September. – June 6, 2024