KUALA LUMPUR: The Tun Ali Sepaktakraw Championship 2024, scheduled to be held next month, will act as a critical platform for the Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) in selecting four additional players for the national men’s sepaktakraw team.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, PSM president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan has confirmed that 14 players have already been shortlisted based on their current form and performance. The remaining players are set to be evaluated during the tournament, which is scheduled to occur from December 2 to 8 in Melaka. Mohd Sumali stated, “I’ve shortlisted 14 players who should be retained based on their current form and performance… as for the rest, we’ll assess their performance in the Tun Ali Cup, which will be the final platform for evaluation.”
The committee has agreed on this approach, focusing particularly on young players for the remaining spots. While a list of potential candidates exists, their performance in the tournament will be crucial in the final decision-mak
ing process. This was disclosed by Mohd Sumali following a Working Committee Meeting at the National Sports Council (MSN) yesterday.
He further revealed that PSM has requested MSN to consider increasing the player quota from the current 18 to between 21 and 24 players. This increase is to prepare adequately for three major tournaments next year: the Asian Cup in Kuala Lumpur, the Thai King’s Cup, and the SEA Games in Thailand. Mohd Sumali emphasized that selecting the best players involves careful assessment of their suitability for specific events, including doubles, quadrants, and team competitions. He explained, “Head coach Ahmad Jais (Baharun) and the coaching team are also focused on selecting players who can adapt, for instance, in team events, as well as doubles and quadrants.”
The proposal to increase the player quota has reportedly received positive feedback from MSN, though it remains under review. Mohd Sumali remarked, “Essentially, it will be discussed at their level (MSN). They may agree (to in
crease the quota), but it depends on the budget. If the quota is increased, we will prioritize young players.”