KUALA LUMPUR — With just over 400 days until the SEA Games kick off in Thailand in December next year, the host nation has already announced that 11 gold medals will be up for grabs in sepak takraw events.
Sepak takraw is a traditional sport in the White Elephant nation, and they are keen to make a clean sweep to achieve their goal of becoming the overall champion.
However, Asian Sepak Takraw Federation (Astaf) president, Datuk Abdul Halim Kader, has requested that the Takraw Association of Thailand (TAT) reconsider participating in every event.
Previously, Astaf granted the SEA Games host country a unique advantage, allowing them to compete in every event, while other nations were restricted to selected categories.
This restriction is intended to prevent dominant sepak takraw countries from monopolising the medal tally, with the host nation being the only exception.
Additionally, the host country is permitted an expanded roster, with up to 18 to 20 players instead of the usual 15, giving them a strategic edge.
“I have already requested that the new TAT president, Thana Chaiprasit, ensure that Thailand does not participate in all events.
“However, Astaf also recognises that we must respect the privileges given to host nations in previous SEA Games,” Halim said, noting that Malaysia received this same advantage during the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.
“So far, Thailand has verbally agreed to Astaf’s request, but we have yet to finalise the compulsory events or determine Thailand’s standing.
“Personally, I would also prefer if Thailand did not participate in all events,” said Halim in a press conference today, here.
However, Halim explained that if there is a desire to revoke the host’s privileges, Astaf’s leadership must convene with all member countries before any decisions can be made.
“For me and my colleagues at Astaf, we have procedures and regulations regarding this privilege.
“If any changes are to be made, we would need to discuss it again with other countries,” he added. — October 28, 2024