Amirul Would Have Preferred To Finish Final Against Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- National sepak takraw squad captain Amirul Zazwan Amir admitted he would have preferred to complete the 2026 World Cup team regu final against Thailand rather than be awarded the title after the visitors abandoned the match.

Amirul said that, as a player, he had to abide by the decision of the coach and team management following Thailand’s move to walk off the court in protest against an umpiring decision.

The dramatic final last night saw Malaysia crowned team regu champions after Thailand withdrew during the second set of the deciding match at Stadium Titiwangsa.

Thailand were leading 14-13 in the second set of the third match when Malaysia were awarded a point following a review over an alleged court-line infringement by a Thai player.

The decision levelled the score at 14-14, denying Thailand the chance to seal the set 15-13 and force a decider.

When the Thai team’s protest was overruled by match officials, Thailand decided to walk out and Malaysia were awarded the match 2-1.

“Given a choice, I would have continued playing against them, no problem. But I am a player, and I have to follow whatever the coach and team president decide,” he told reporters after the match.

Amirul said the victory was very meaningful as Malaysia had suffered several defeats to Thailand, including in the 2024 World Cup final.

“I feel this is historic. In 2024, I failed, but today I was able to deliver victory for the country. I am grateful to everyone who prayed for us,” he said.

Amirul described the final as fiercely contested, although he acknowledged that neither team displayed their best performance.

He said the national squad now want to focus on maintaining their excellent momentum for the upcoming Thai King’s Cup and Asian Games.

-- BERNAMA