KUALA LUMPUR: National sepak takraw ace Mohd Syahir Mohd Rosdi has been named as the "Best Tekong in the World."
The 29-year-old was awarded a Certificate of Distinguished International Excellence by the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) in recognition of his outstanding achievements on the global stage.
ISTAF said Syahir was honoured as the "Best Tekong in the World” for his exceptional performances, particularly following his remarkable displays at the 2024 World Cup, 2025 Asian Cup and 2025 SEA Games sepak takraw competition.
The certificate highlighted that his success was underpinned by elite technical mastery, tactical intelligence, mental resilienceand competitive excellence, thus allowing him to consistently perform at the highest level of international sepak takraw.
ISTAF also commended the athlete’s ability to represent Malaysia with distinction while effectively challenging Thailand’s top elite players, earning him widespread recognition abroad, particularly amongtheThai sports media, which regarded him as one of the world’s finest tekongs.
"This distinguished recognition is conferred by the ISTAFin honour of his outstanding contribution to international sepak takraw, commitment to excellence and sporting integrity and role in elevating the global stature of Malaysian sepak takraw," according to the certificate.
ISTAF expressed hope that the certificate will serve as a symbol of excellence, inspirationand national prideas well as a benchmark for future generations of sepak takraw athletes.
Syahir propelled Malaysia to victory in the regu event at the 2024 World Cup and the 2025 Asian Cupwhile playing a pivotal role in the national team’s historic conquest of traditional rivals Thailand, securing both the team and regu gold medals at the 2025 SEA Games.
The tekong is a pivotal position in sepak takraw, responsible for serving the ball with precision and power to initiate each play, while also acting as the team’s key attacker by combining technical skill, timing and tactical awareness to create scoring opportunities for teammates.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Sepaktakraw Federation (PSM) president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan said Syahir deserved the recognition based on his current performances.
"He has been performing very well of late and has proven himself in several international tournaments as a feared tekong.
On behalf of PSM and local sepak takraw fans, we would like to extend our highest appreciation to ISTAF for the recognition," he said.
He also expressed hope that the recognition would provide a morale boost to all national players to follow in the same footsteps - bringing glory to the country and achieving commendable individual success. - Bernama
