“Bringing sepak takraw to the Olympics is not merely my personal ambition. It is a shared dream that requires the collective commitment and determination of everyone involved in the sport.”
MERCINEWS.COM – Datuk Abdul Halim Kader has declared his readiness to continue leading the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF) after emerging as the sole candidate for the federation’s presidency, with his Olympic ambition remaining a key priority for the sport’s future.
If elected at the ASTAF Election Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 9, 2026, Abdul Halim will continue his efforts to elevate sepak takraw onto the global sporting stage and ultimately secure its place in the Olympic Games.
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The ASTAF Secretariat confirmed Abdul Halim’s candidacy following the official closure of nominations for the election at 5 p.m. Malaysian time.
The secretariat also confirmed two candidates for the two available vice-presidential positions: Datuk Mohamad Sumali Reduan of Malaysia and Dr. Srihassak Arrirachakaran, Secretary-General of the Sepak Takraw Association of Thailand.
As the number of candidates matches the number of available positions, no voting will be required for the presidency and the two vice-presidential posts.
However, elections for the deputy chairperson and Executive Council positions will proceed, as the number of candidates exceeds the available seats.
Continuing Leadership and Development
Abdul Halim’s expected return to the ASTAF presidency marks a continuation of his efforts to strengthen sepak takraw across Asia and expand its international presence.
During the 2021 election, Abdul Halim indicated that the term would be his final tenure. However, continued support and encouragement from member nations prompted him to accept another nomination.
Together with Mohamad Sumali, who is also set to take up the vice-presidential role, Abdul Halim is expected to strengthen cooperation among member associations, improve athlete development programmes and raise the competitiveness of international tournaments.
One of his main priorities for the upcoming term will be to strengthen strategic engagement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF).
The initiative aims to increase international recognition of sepak takraw and create greater opportunities for the sport, which has deep roots in Southeast Asia, to become part of the Olympic programme.
Abdul Halim stressed that bringing sepak takraw to the Olympics would require unity, sustained commitment and collective efforts from all member nations.
“Our journey is not over. My dream is to see sepak takraw featured at the Olympic Games. We must remain united, work harder and ensure that the sport develops professionally, with integrity and in accordance with international standards,” Abdul Halim said.
Strengthening Sepak Takraw’s Global Position
Beyond the Olympic ambition, the continuation of ASTAF’s leadership is also expected to focus on strengthening governance, expanding youth development programmes and improving the quality of international competitions.
Support from member nations will be crucial in strengthening sepak takraw’s position amid the increasingly competitive global sporting landscape.
The ASTAF Election Congress, scheduled for December 9 in Bangkok, will complete the federation’s leadership structure. The incoming leadership is expected to carry forward its development agenda while enhancing coordination with international sporting organisations.
“Bringing sepak takraw to the Olympics is not merely my personal ambition. It is a shared dream that requires the collective commitment and determination of everyone involved in the sport,” he added.(Red)
