Bangkok: The Thai men’s sepak takraw team missed out on a gold medal in the team event for the first time in 34 years. The team lost to Malaysia in a closely contested final at the SEA Games, ending a remarkable winning streak that had persisted since the 16th SEA Games in the Philippines in 1991.

According to Thai News Agency, the finals took place at the 4,000-seat gymnasium of the Nakhon Pathom Municipal Sports Center in Nakhon Pathom Province. The Thai team, who are 18-time SEA Games champions, faced off against their long-time rivals, Malaysia. In the opening match, Team A from Thailand, comprising server Porntep Thinbangbon (“Tony”), setter Marukin Panmakorn (“Golf”), and hitter Phutawan Sopha (“Phu”), narrowly defeated Malaysia 2-1 with scores of 15-8, 11-15, and 15-13, giving Thailand an early lead.

Team B from Thailand, featuring 37-year-old server Siriwat Sakha (“Left-handed Killer”), setter Rachan Wipun, and hitter Thavisak Thongsai, then took to the court against a Malaysian side led by star server Mohammad Syahir Rosdi. Malaysia triumphed in this matchup, winning 2-0 with scores of 17-14 and 15-13, bringing the match to a 1-1 tie.

The decisive final bout saw Thailand’s Team C, including Sitthipong Kamchan (“Yao Puen Yai”), Sirisak Anulun, and Thanapol Sapyean, engage in a very close game but ultimately losing 0-2 with scores of 13-15 and 11-15. This resulted in a 1-2 aggregate loss to Malaysia, leaving the Thai men’s team with a silver medal.

In contrast, the Thai women’s sepak takraw team triumphed over Vietnam, securing a 2-0 victory and winning the gold medal. This victory marked their ninth championship title in the women’s team event at the SEA Games.