Sepak Takraw: Muhammad Afifuddin Set to Return to National Squad for Bihar World Cup 2025
The Malaysian Sepaktakraw Association (PSM) has announced that former national sepak takraw squad captain Muhammad Afifuddin Mohd Razali is set to return to the team for the Bihar World Cup 2025, which will be held in India from March 20 to 25.
The decision to bring back Muhammad Afifuddin was made after several players failed to report for duty due to release issues from their employers and other unresolved matters. PSM president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan made the announcement after a recent supreme committee meeting.
"We are facing problems assembling a complete squad. Some players have yet to report due to release issues from their employers and other unresolved matters. So, we decided to bring in another player to strengthen the squad in various events, and we agreed that Muhammad Afifuddin should return, as there are still two or three players missing," said Mohd Sumali.
Muhammad Afifuddin’s services are also sought as the national team prepares to host the 2025 Asian Cup Sepak Takraw Championship in May. "We can’t wait too long as the tournament is approaching, and so is the Asian Cup, so we made an early decision to include him," added Mohd Sumali.
The Bihar World Cup will feature 20 countries, including hosts India and powerhouse Thailand. The national men’s sepak takraw squad will not compete in the regu event but will take part in the doubles and quadrant categories.
National Sepak Takraw Development Programme
On another matter, Mohd Sumali said the National Sepak Takraw Development Programme (NSTDP), which has been approved by the Youth and Sports Ministry, is in its final phase of preparation for implementation in April. "So far, we have completed about 70 per cent of discussions. The next step is to hold a technical committee meeting and conduct a workshop to inform all states on the implementation process before proceeding," he said.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Muhammad Afifuddin in the national sepak takraw squad is a boost for the team as they prepare for the Bihar World Cup and the 2025 Asian Cup Sepak Takraw Championship. The National Sepak Takraw Development Programme is also set to be implemented in April, which will further develop the sport in Malaysia.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Bihar World Cup 2025?
The Bihar World Cup 2025 will be held in India from March 20 to 25. - Who is returning to the national sepak takraw squad?
Muhammad Afifuddin Mohd Razali, the former national sepak takraw squad captain, is returning to the team. - What is the National Sepak Takraw Development Programme?
The National Sepak Takraw Development Programme is a programme aimed at developing sepak takraw in Malaysia, which has been approved by the Youth and Sports Ministry and is set to be implemented in April.