Thanapon Sapyen, a player on Thailand's national sepak takraw team, identified the strategic adjustments that led to their victory over Malaysia to claim the men's singles gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games.
On 29 Sep 2026 GMT+7, during the 2026 Asian Games sepak takraw men's singles final, defending champions Thailand faced perennial rivals Malaysia. This match was a rematch of the 2022 Asian Games gold medal final held in Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.
The Thai men's singles sepak takraw team, six-time Asian Games gold medalists (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2022), fielded a starting lineup of three players: Thanapon Sapyen as striker, Krisanapong Nontakot as server, and Wuttinan Kamsano as feeder, with Phutawan Sopa and Porntep Thinbangbon as substitutes. The result was Thailand defeating Malaysia 2-0 in sets, 15-9 and 15-8.
After the match, Thanapon Sapyen, Thailand's striker, revealed the tactical changes that enabled them to defeat Malaysia.
“I’m happy, and it’s my first time playing in the singles event. Our tactical adjustment was to keep the block a bit further out to avoid overreaching. At moments when they kicked far, we stepped out to intercept. We prepared this strategy thoroughly and executed it well, allowing us to play according to plan.”
The Thai national sepak takraw team has competed in three events so far, winning two gold medals from the women's team and men's singles, and one silver from the men's team. They still have the women’s four-player team event remaining, where their sole goal is to win gold.