KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- 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 inclusion of the right 'apit' (killer) from ATM Guardians was announced by Malaysian Sepaktakraw Association (PSM) president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan, after several players could not answer their national call-ups for various reasons.
"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," he said when met after PSM’s supreme committee meeting yesterday.
According to 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,” he added.
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.
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.
-- BERNAMA
