MOHD SUMALI NOT RULING OUT BID FOR ISTAF TOP POST

KAJANG, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan does not rule out the possibility of helming the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) although he has yet to decide on that matter.

The Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) president said it was still too early to decide whether to challenge for the ISTAF president's post as the federation's annual general meeting (AGM) is only scheduled to be held in 2026.

"I am not inclined to announce anything yet… when the time comes (for the AGM), only then will I think about it. The post requires extremely high commitment... I now have a lot of responsibilities with PSM.

"My focus now is on sepak takraw in Malaysia, especially the grassroots level development. Although sepak takraw in Malaysia has reached a stage that we can be proud of, I feel that there is still a lot of work to do,” he told a media conference here today.

Boonchai Lorhpipat, the ISTAF vice-president for the 2022-2026 term, is now the acting president following the death of Major General Dr Charouck Arirachakaran of Thailand in August last year.

Mohd Sumali is one of the candidates said to be in the running for the ISTAF top post and affiliate members can call for an extraordinary general meeting to elect a new president before the AGM is held.

However, Mohd Sumali seems to have already drawn up some plans for improvement in ISTAF, including having the draw for championships like the SEA Games and the Thai King's Cup at least a month, instead of just a few days, before competition.

"We want sepak takraw to move forward until it is contested at the Olympics and not viewed as a village sport. So, the draw must be held earlier so that teams can make the necessary preparations.

"The challenge system, meanwhile, is limited to two only… irrespective of whether your challenge is valid or not, you can't challenge the decision even if it is the umpire's decision. We have sent a letter to ISTAF to change the system so that if your challenge is deemed right, you get to keep it. This may take a few months to be implemented,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF) president Datuk Abdul Halim Kader has stated his full backing for Mohd Sumalli should the latter decide to challenge for the top post in the world governing body.

"We are hoping for a leader who fully understands sepak takraw and has big visions to guide the federation until the sport is contested at the Olympics,” said Abdul Halim, who is also the ISTAF secretary-general.

-- BERNAMA