KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- The plan for a dedicated sepak takraw stadium has been discussed by the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Association (PSM) with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, according to its president, Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan.
He said the association was currently working on identifying a suitable location in the Klang Valley but had yet to decide whether to upgrade an existing stadium or build a new one.
"We need to consider two aspects: whether the stadium will be used for matches or as a facility for an academy or training. However, we definitely want a Sepak Takraw Stadium in Malaysia, with a capacity of 2,000 to 5,000, but it is still under discussion. There is no timeline for acquiring the stadium.
"Let the name be the Sepak Takraw Stadium because at least Malaysia will carry the image of our traditional sport. This has been discussed with Hannah Yeoh and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim," he told reporters at the launch of the 2024 Sepak Takraw League here, today.
In June, Mohd Sumali said it was time for sepak takraw to have a dedicated stadium, especially for hosting major tournaments, following the national team’s excellent performance on the world stage at the 2024 Sepak Takraw World Cup.
In another development, Mohd Sumali said PSM was considering either Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil or the Titiwangsa Stadium as the venue for the 2025 Asian Cup.
"Many people want it at Axiata because it’s large, but is it suitable? In the current situation, we might be able to fill it for the finals and semi-finals, but in the early stages, it might look too empty.
"But I haven’t looked into it in detail yet. If it's Titiwangsa, we're already familiar with it, as sepak takraw has been held there many times. With a capacity of 2,000, it is suitable for now," he said.
In July, PSM received an offer from the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF) to host the inaugural 2025 Asian Cup.
Malaysia was given the trust after successfully organising the World Cup in May.
-- BERNAMA