PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's sepak takraw heroes have another reason to celebrate after their historic Asian Games triumph, with each player set to receive RM10,000 from the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Federation (PSM).
PSM president Datuk Sumali Redzuan, who is also the contigent's chef de mission, said the reward was initially set at RM7,000 per player, but the federation decided to increase the amount after Malaysia ended their 36-year wait for the men’s team gold.
“I discussed it with the council members and everyone agreed that we should increase the reward," said Sumali.
“There was already a reward structure based on how far they progressed, but after they won, I felt we should raise the amount.
Malaysia ended their long wait by beating arch-rivals Thailand 2-0 in the final at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Gymnasium yesterday.
Syahir Rosdi, Azlan Alias and Farhan Adam gave Malaysia the first point after overcoming Thailand’s Phutawan Sopa, Pornthep Tinbangbon and Marukin Phanmakon 15-9, 5-15, 15-11.
Zulkifli Razak, Afifuddin Razali and Aidil Aiman Zawawi then sealed the gold by beating Kamsanor Wuttinun, Sapyen Tanaphon and Nontakote Kritsanapong 15-13, 15-10 in the second regu.
Sumali also revealed that the national team will now be known as “The Golden Tigers”, a nickname inspired by other Malaysian national teams.
“Many people had asked me before this, including former Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, what nickname we should give the national sepak takraw team.
“Football has Harimau Malaya, while hockey has the Speedy Tigers, so that gave me the idea.
“Today, we agreed that the national sepak takraw team will be known as The Golden Tigers,” he added.
