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Malaysia's historic sepak takraw victory at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games is continuing to make an impact beyond the court, with McDonald's Malaysia contributing RM50,000 to the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Federation (PSM) to support the development of the sport and nurture the country's next generation of players.
The contribution was presented during a celebration welcoming home Malaysia's national sepak takraw team, following their impressive performance at the Asian Games, where they secured one gold medal in the men's team regu event and one silver medal in the men's regu event.
Held at McDonald's Titiwangsa Drive-Thru, the ceremony also marked the fulfilment of a promise made by McDonald's Malaysia before the national squad departed for the Games. The company had pledged to support the development of sepak takraw if Malaysia brought home a gold medal.
The contribution was presented during a celebration welcoming home Malaysia's national sepak takraw team, following their impressive performance at the Asian Games, where they secured one gold medal in the men's team regu event and one silver medal in the men's regu event.
Held at McDonald's Titiwangsa Drive-Thru, the ceremony also marked the fulfilment of a promise made by McDonald's Malaysia before the national squad departed for the Games. The company had pledged to support the development of sepak takraw if Malaysia brought home a gold medal.
From left: Dato' Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director and Local Operating Partner of McDonald's Malaysia; Datuk Wira Mohd Sumali, President of the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Federation (PSM); Datuk Dazma Shah Daud, Treasurer of PSM; and Dato' Zafry Sulaiman, PSM Council Member, President of the Selangor Sepak Takraw Association and Malaysia's Sepak Takraw Team Manager for the 2026 Asian Games, at the RM50,000 contribution presentation.
A Historic Victory After 36 Years
Malaysia's achievement at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games was particularly significant, ending a 36-year wait for gold in the men's team regu event.
Under the guidance of head coach Ahmad Jais Baharun, the national team defeated Thailand 2-0 in the final, delivering a memorable victory for Malaysian sepak takraw.
The achievement reflected years of dedication, intensive training and teamwork, while demonstrating Malaysia's potential to compete at the highest level in a sport deeply rooted in the region's sporting heritage.
The RM50,000 contribution was presented by Dato' Haji Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director and Local Operating Partner of McDonald's Malaysia, to Datuk Wira Mohd Sumali Reduan, President of PSM.
Commenting on the national team's achievement, Dato' Haji Azmir said the victory should serve as an inspiration for younger Malaysians to pursue their sporting ambitions.
"The entire squad has given Malaysians an incredibly proud moment. Behind this achievement are years of training, sacrifice and teamwork, as well as the unwavering support of their families, coaches and management," he said.
"We are honoured to fulfil this promise and hope that the contribution will help PSM nurture more young talents to go further in the sport of sepak takraw."
Malaysia's achievement at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games was particularly significant, ending a 36-year wait for gold in the men's team regu event.
Under the guidance of head coach Ahmad Jais Baharun, the national team defeated Thailand 2-0 in the final, delivering a memorable victory for Malaysian sepak takraw.
The achievement reflected years of dedication, intensive training and teamwork, while demonstrating Malaysia's potential to compete at the highest level in a sport deeply rooted in the region's sporting heritage.
The RM50,000 contribution was presented by Dato' Haji Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director and Local Operating Partner of McDonald's Malaysia, to Datuk Wira Mohd Sumali Reduan, President of PSM.
Commenting on the national team's achievement, Dato' Haji Azmir said the victory should serve as an inspiration for younger Malaysians to pursue their sporting ambitions.
"The entire squad has given Malaysians an incredibly proud moment. Behind this achievement are years of training, sacrifice and teamwork, as well as the unwavering support of their families, coaches and management," he said.
"We are honoured to fulfil this promise and hope that the contribution will help PSM nurture more young talents to go further in the sport of sepak takraw."
Developing Malaysia's Next Generation of Sepak Takraw Players
Beyond celebrating the national team's success, McDonald's Malaysia is also investing in opportunities for younger players to discover and develop their potential.
One of these initiatives is the Liga Takraw Nasional Mekdi 2026, organised in collaboration with Harian Metro, with support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) and the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Federation.
The tournament provides a competitive platform for players aged 16 and below, giving young athletes valuable exposure to national-level competition while helping identify promising talent for the future.
The league features three zonal rounds across Malaysia, covering the Central-Southern Zone in Negeri Sembilan, Northern Zone in Kedah and Eastern Zone in Terengganu.
Successful teams will progress to the National Finals on 28 and 29 November 2026 at the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Academy in Kuala Lumpur.
With a total prize pool of RM60,000, the competition aims to encourage greater participation among young players while strengthening the development pathway for Malaysia's traditional sport.
A Sepak Takraw Clinic is also scheduled for 26 November 2026 at the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Academy, offering participants an opportunity to learn fundamental techniques and practise their skills on the court.
Dato' Haji Azmir also expressed hope that members of the national squad would play an active role in inspiring participants throughout the tournament.
He said the team's remarkable success demonstrated that ambitious goals are achievable and could encourage more young Malaysians to dream of representing their country.
McDonald's Malaysia hopes national players will have opportunities to share their experiences, provide guidance and motivate participants of Liga Takraw Nasional Mekdi 2026, particularly those aspiring to wear the national jersey one day.
Beyond celebrating the national team's success, McDonald's Malaysia is also investing in opportunities for younger players to discover and develop their potential.
One of these initiatives is the Liga Takraw Nasional Mekdi 2026, organised in collaboration with Harian Metro, with support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) and the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Federation.
The tournament provides a competitive platform for players aged 16 and below, giving young athletes valuable exposure to national-level competition while helping identify promising talent for the future.
The league features three zonal rounds across Malaysia, covering the Central-Southern Zone in Negeri Sembilan, Northern Zone in Kedah and Eastern Zone in Terengganu.
Successful teams will progress to the National Finals on 28 and 29 November 2026 at the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Academy in Kuala Lumpur.
With a total prize pool of RM60,000, the competition aims to encourage greater participation among young players while strengthening the development pathway for Malaysia's traditional sport.
A Sepak Takraw Clinic is also scheduled for 26 November 2026 at the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Academy, offering participants an opportunity to learn fundamental techniques and practise their skills on the court.
Dato' Haji Azmir also expressed hope that members of the national squad would play an active role in inspiring participants throughout the tournament.
He said the team's remarkable success demonstrated that ambitious goals are achievable and could encourage more young Malaysians to dream of representing their country.
McDonald's Malaysia hopes national players will have opportunities to share their experiences, provide guidance and motivate participants of Liga Takraw Nasional Mekdi 2026, particularly those aspiring to wear the national jersey one day.
Supporting Malaysian Youth Beyond Sports
McDonald's Malaysia's commitment to youth development also extends beyond sporting activities through initiatives focused on education, welfare and employability.
Among them is the Santun Pelajar Programme, which provides Nasi Mekdi vouchers to students at higher education institutions, offering practical support as they navigate university life.
The company also supports skills development and career opportunities through its McDonald's Vocational Academy, Academy in Industry (ADI) programme and Graduate Employability Programme (GEP).
Together, these initiatives reflect a broader effort to provide young Malaysians with opportunities to build confidence, develop practical skills and pursue their ambitions.
For Malaysia's sepak takraw community, the national team's historic Asian Games victory represents more than a medal-winning moment. It also creates an opportunity to inspire a new generation of players and build on the country's success.
With continued support from sporting organisations, corporate partners and the wider community, the hope is that more young Malaysian athletes will have the opportunity to develop their talent and eventually follow in the footsteps of the national team.
McDonald's Malaysia's commitment to youth development also extends beyond sporting activities through initiatives focused on education, welfare and employability.
Among them is the Santun Pelajar Programme, which provides Nasi Mekdi vouchers to students at higher education institutions, offering practical support as they navigate university life.
The company also supports skills development and career opportunities through its McDonald's Vocational Academy, Academy in Industry (ADI) programme and Graduate Employability Programme (GEP).
Together, these initiatives reflect a broader effort to provide young Malaysians with opportunities to build confidence, develop practical skills and pursue their ambitions.
For Malaysia's sepak takraw community, the national team's historic Asian Games victory represents more than a medal-winning moment. It also creates an opportunity to inspire a new generation of players and build on the country's success.
With continued support from sporting organisations, corporate partners and the wider community, the hope is that more young Malaysian athletes will have the opportunity to develop their talent and eventually follow in the footsteps of the national team.
