BINTULU: The president of the Asian Sepak Takraw Federation (ASTAF), Datuk Abdul Halim Kader, is convinced that the sport will soon gain recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), paving the way for its inclusion in future Olympic Games.
Following the Paris 2024 Olympics, ASTAF is targeting either the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games or securing the attention of countries like Indonesia and India to champion sepak takraw’s Olympic status.
“While sepak takraw has yet to make the Olympic roster, ASTAF and ISTAF believe we meet the IOC’s criteria, including the existence of world-class competitions for both men, women, and youth,” he told a press conference at the SUKMA XXI Sarawak 2024 Media Centre on Thursday.
Halim also serves as the Secretary-General of the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF).
Addressing the ongoing dispute over the 15-point counting system, Halim issued a stern warning to any affiliate refusing to comply.
He said that ISTAF would take strict action against those who disregard these new guidelines, both domestically and internationally.
“ISTAF is determined to ensure this 15-point counting system is adopted in upcoming events like the SEA Games in Thailand and the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan,” Halim added.”This standardised system will provide a fair and equitable playing field for all participating countries.”
ISTAF mandated the implementation of the 15-point counting system for all competitions starting February 1, following its approval at the 36th King of Thailand Cup Takraw World Championship last July.
Under the new system, teams tied at 14-14 will play until one reaches 17 points.
Additionally, each team is now limited to one serve per rotation.
