IT'S back to the drawing board for the Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (STAM) as president Datuk Ahmad Said became evasive over whether he intended to make good on his pledge to resign over their failure to win gold in Guangzhou. Prior to the Asian Games, Ahmad confidently predicted of winning one gold and declared he would quit his post if sepak takraw failed to deliver.
But when quizzed by reporters after Malaysia's regu defeat by Thailand at the Haizhu Sports Centre on Wednesday, Ahmad said he will refer the matter to the STAM council.
"It is not proper for me to resign while still in another country. Let's go home first and discuss it with the council.
"Of greater importance is to ensure we successfully host the World Cup in July," said Ahmad.
It was obvious in Guangzhou that STAM has yet to come to grips with how far Malaysia have fallen behind arch-rivals Thailand.
There was a huge celebration in the Malaysian camp, with hugs going all round, after Malaysia beat South Korea in the team semi-finals, an indication of how other nations have caught up with us.
For as long as the STAM leadership refuses to recognise the need for fresh ideas and fresh blood, Malaysian sepak takraw will remain stagnant.
The decision to bring veteran trio of Normanizam Ahmad, Futra Abdul Ghani and Ariff Ramli of retirement specifically for the Asian Games, showed the desperation and lack of options facing STAM.
The need to develop a new playing style to counter the Thai's spinning serves has never been greater as we played second fiddle again in the team and regu events.
The Malaysian players were bereft of ideas when strategy failed them and had little in reserve to respond to the Thais greater agility and tactics.
For almost two decades, the Thais have out-smarted Malaysia in sepak takraw, it is time we regain the initiative by making changes from top to the bottom of the sport's structure in the country.
Read more: NST
But when quizzed by reporters after Malaysia's regu defeat by Thailand at the Haizhu Sports Centre on Wednesday, Ahmad said he will refer the matter to the STAM council.
"It is not proper for me to resign while still in another country. Let's go home first and discuss it with the council.
"Of greater importance is to ensure we successfully host the World Cup in July," said Ahmad.
It was obvious in Guangzhou that STAM has yet to come to grips with how far Malaysia have fallen behind arch-rivals Thailand.
There was a huge celebration in the Malaysian camp, with hugs going all round, after Malaysia beat South Korea in the team semi-finals, an indication of how other nations have caught up with us.
For as long as the STAM leadership refuses to recognise the need for fresh ideas and fresh blood, Malaysian sepak takraw will remain stagnant.
The decision to bring veteran trio of Normanizam Ahmad, Futra Abdul Ghani and Ariff Ramli of retirement specifically for the Asian Games, showed the desperation and lack of options facing STAM.
The need to develop a new playing style to counter the Thai's spinning serves has never been greater as we played second fiddle again in the team and regu events.
The Malaysian players were bereft of ideas when strategy failed them and had little in reserve to respond to the Thais greater agility and tactics.
For almost two decades, the Thais have out-smarted Malaysia in sepak takraw, it is time we regain the initiative by making changes from top to the bottom of the sport's structure in the country.
Read more: NST
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