Siena:The national men's sepak takraw team, known as the Golden Tigers, secured a windfall of RM160,000 following their success at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, where they won a gold and a silver medal.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Association (PSM) awarded the monetary reward to 12 players and two coaches. Additionally, they received gold bars and shopping vouchers from the strategic partner Telekom Malaysia (TM Group).

PSM President Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan emphasized the association's proactive approach in recognizing the players' achievements by independently raising funds, rather than solely relying on the government's reward scheme. He noted that this initiative marked a significant moment in the history of Malaysian sepak takraw, with players being acknowledged with such a substantial sum.

During the National Sepak Takraw Squad appreciation ceremony held in the capital, Mohd Sumali expressed the possibility of increasing the allocation in the future, contingent on the association's financial capabilities. The event was attended by notable figures such as Olympic Council of Malaysia Deputy President Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad, MSN Director-General Jefri Ngadirin, and National Sports Institute CEO Dr. P. Vellapandian.

National chief server Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi described the incentive as an unexpected blessing, highlighting that the association had no formal obligation to provide such rewards. He estimated that each individual might receive around RM10,000 and expressed gratitude for the recognition from PSM and TM.

The Golden Tigers ended a 36-year wait for the team regu gold medal by defeating Thailand 2-0 in the final. They also secured a silver medal in the men's regu event, losing to Thailand 0-2.