Challenge System To Be Made Mandatory In SEA Games 2025 - ASTAF

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- The Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF) today announced that the challenge system will be made mandatory for all sepak takraw events at the SEA Games 2025 in Thailand, reinforcing its commitment to fairness, accuracy and the integrity of the sport.

ASTAF president Datuk Abdul Halim Kader said the introduction of the challenge system at the biennial Games marks another milestone in the modernisation of sepak takraw under the progressive leadership of ASTAF and International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF).

“By integrating multi-angle, high-frame-rate camera systems, the challenge system bridges the gap between human judgment and digital precision. It provides conclusive slow-motion evidence to verify decisions, promotes transparency, and preserves the integrity of the sport.

“It also enhances the credibility of referee decisions, reducing post-match disputes and preserving the spirit of sportsmanship,” he said in a statement.

As such, Abdul Halim said both federations remain steadfast in ensuring that the sport evolves in tandem with global standards by combining human expertise with digital accuracy to uphold the values of integrity, fairness, and professionalism.

Previously, ASTAF first introduced the challenge system during the Thailand King's Cup in the 2022 edition.

The SEA Games 2025 will be held from Dec 9 until 20 in three provinces: Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla.

-- BERNAMA