KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- National sepak takraw head coach Ahmad Jais Baharun admitted he was uncomfortable with Malaysia being awarded victory after Thailand refused to continue the team regu final at the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup here yesterday.
Thailand pulled out of the match in protest against a refereeing decision, resulting in Malaysia being handed a 2-1 victory on home ground to end the Thais’ dominance in the tournament.
Ahmad Jais said the matter should have been handled professionally, with both teams continuing the match to determine the true champion on the court.
“From the video replay, it was clear that the Thai player’s foot crossed under the net, and perhaps they could not accept the decision.
“For me, whatever decision the referee makes must be accepted openly. Any mistakes we make must also be accepted,” he told reporters after the final.
Despite lifting the trophy, Ahmad Jais said he was personally dissatisfied with winning under controversial circumstances.
“I am not satisfied with this kind of victory. But perhaps this is our team’s fortune, and we have to accept and celebrate it,” he said.
He nevertheless praised the fighting spirit shown by his players despite the absence of first-choice tekong Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi due to injury.
“The players gave everything and fought hard throughout the match. They deserved the success even though the final ended in controversy,” he said.
Meanwhile, Thailand team manager Auychai Srisuwan expressed disappointment with several refereeing decisions during the final, claiming some calls did not favour his side and affected the flow of the match.
However, Auychai stressed that Thailand had no issues with the Malaysian team or local supporters throughout the tournament, saying the team’s frustration was directed solely at the officiating.
-- BERNAMA
