Malaysia Dethrones Thailand in Sepak Takraw Team Event After 28 Years

NAGOYA, Japan — Malaysia defeated Thailand 2-0 in the men’s team event final of sepak takraw at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya on September 25, ending Thailand’s 28-year reign in the event and leaving the defending champions with the silver medal. The final at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Gymnasium saw the two traditional rivals meet once again in a major sepak takraw showdown. Thailand had won the men’s team event at seven consecutive Asian Games, beginning with the 1998 Games in Bangkok, where Thailand hosted the event. That run came to an end as Malaysia defeated Thailand 2-0 to reclaim the Asian Games men’s team title for the first time in 36 years. Malaysia last won the gold medal in the event at the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing, China. The result means Thailand’s seven consecutive titles have come to an end, while Malaysia has returned to the top of the men’s team event after a 36 year wait.