KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 — A total of 18 countries will vie for glory in the 38th Thai King’s Cup sepak takraw championships to be held in Hatyai, Songkhla, from July 22 to July 27.
International Sepak Takraw Federation (Istaf) secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Kadir said that Malaysia has been drawn in Group B of the Premier Division men’s team regu event, alongside Japan, Laos, Myanmar, and South Korea.
Hosts Thailand, who are also the defending champions after downing Malaysia 2-0 (4-15, 15-3, 15-11) and (15-13, 15-9) in the 37th edition, have been drawn in Group A of the men’s team regu event with Brunei, Vietnam, India and Singapore.
“There are fewer teams competing this time compared to previous editions due to the withdrawal of 18 other countries, particularly two of the world’s biggest teams — Indonesia and the Philippines,” he said in a statement issued by Istaf today.
Abdul Halim added that the draw, which was held at the King’s Cup venue yesterday, was also attended by Istaf acting president Boonchai Lorhpipat and Istaf deputy president Fariq Halim, as well as Takraw Association of Thailand (TAT) president Thana Chaiprasit.
The men’s teams will also compete in the Premier Division quadrant event, with Malaysia drawn in Group A alongside Thailand, Myanmar, Singapore, and South Korea; while Group B comprises Vietnam, Laos, Japan, India, and Brunei.
Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, and South Korea are superpowers in the quadrant event, thus making Group A the Group of Death.
“The top two teams from the Group of Death will advance to the semi-finals, where they will meet the Group B winners and runners-up, likely to be Vietnam and India,” he said.
In the women’s Premier Division, the participating countries will also be vying for glory in the team regu and quadrant events.
There will also be a mixed quadrant event in the Premier Division.
— Bernama
