NAGOYA, Japan — 29 September 2026, Thailand won the men’s team event gold medal in sepak takraw at the 20th Asian Games, defeating longtime rivals Malaysia 2–0 in the final at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Gymnasium.
Thailand, the defending champions, fielded Thanaphon Sap-yen as striker, Kritsanaphong Nontakot as server and Wuttinan Kamsanoh as feeder.
Malaysia lined up with Aslan Elias, Aswawi Idil Aiman and Mohamed Rosdi.
Kritsanaphong repeatedly targeted Malaysia’s front-right area with his serves, helping Thailand take control early. Thailand’s defense remained solid while Thanaphon produced powerful attacks.
Malaysia replaced Rosdi with Razak Zulkifli after Rosdi struggled to make an impact with his serves, but Thailand continued to dominate and took the opening set 15–9.
Thailand made a fast start in the second set, moving 4–0 ahead after Thanaphon made several blocks to stop Malaysia’s attacks.
Malaysia fought back to level at 5–5, but Thailand regained control. Pornthep Thinbangbon was brought on to serve, while Thanaphon mixed powerful smashes with well-placed soft touches.
Thailand capitalized on Malaysia’s errors to close out the set 15–8, securing the gold medal.
The victory gave Thailand their seventh Asian Games men’s team title, following previous gold medals in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2022. Thailand did not enter the men’s team event in 2018 under the competition regulations.
The gold is Thailand’s 10th at the 2026 Asian Games.
Under the National Sports Development Fund’s current reward criteria, the men’s team is eligible for 2 million baht per gold medal per athlete. With five athletes listed in the team, the total prize money would amount to 10 million baht.
Thailand will have another chance to add a sepak takraw gold medal in the women’s four-player team event.
