Nagoya:Malaysia's victory in ending a 36-year wait for the men's team regu gold medal in sepak takraw at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games highlights the need for a robust development program to maintain the sport's success.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, national head coach Ahmad Jais Baharun emphasized the importance of creating more opportunities for young, promising players to join the national development program and gain international exposure. He noted that countries like Indonesia are already giving young players the chance to compete, and Malaysia must do the same to keep up with current trends.

Ahmad Jais underscored that the development program serves as early preparation for the new generation to eventually succeed senior players such as Farhan Adam and Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi. He stressed the need to prepare these younger athletes from an early stage to ensure a smooth transition when the time comes.

Last Friday, Malaysia's national team regu squad secured the gold medal, marking the first such achievement since the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing. Notably, Ahmad Jais was part of the team that won gold in 1990 and has now achieved the feat again in his role as national head coach.