India top Group C, qualify for QF despite Malaysia loss at Sepak Takraw World Cup
Synopsis
Asian Champions India lost to hosts Malaysia 2-1 in their final Group C match at the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup — yet still walked away as group winners. A superior game-points tally over a three-way tie with Malaysia and South Korea ensured India's quarterfinal place, a result that highlights both the team's resilience and the fine margins that define elite Sepak Takraw.
Key Takeaways
India qualified for the quarterfinals of the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup in Kuala Lumpur as Group C toppers.
India lost their final group match to hosts Malaysia 2-1 (sets: 15-13, 15-17, 10-15) at Stadium Titiwangsa on 17 May .
All three teams — India , Malaysia , and South Korea — finished on two wins ; India and Malaysia advanced on superior game points.
India had earlier beaten South Korea 2-1 and Singapore 2-0 in the group stage.
South Korea beat Singapore 2-0 in the other Group C match but was eliminated on the tiebreaker.
India's men's Quadrant team finished as Group C toppers and secured a quarterfinal berth at the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, 17 May, even after losing their final league match to hosts Malaysia by a 2-1 scoreline at Stadium Titiwangsa. The Asian Champions had enough of a game-points cushion to advance despite the defeat.
How India Qualified
India, Malaysia, and South Korea all finished the group stage on two wins each, creating a three-way points tie. India and Malaysia advanced to the quarterfinals on the basis of a superior overall game points tally, with India confirmed as the group winner and Malaysia as runner-up. South Korea, despite defeating Singapore 2-0 in the day's other Group C fixture, was eliminated on the same tiebreaker.
Match Breakdown at Stadium Titiwangsa
India's quartet of Ram Kumar Sharma, Yunam Akash, Bobby Kumar, and Sorokhaibam Malemnganba Singh made a commanding start, capitalising on an early service error by Malaysian player Aidil Aiman Azwawi to claim the opening set 15-13. The mistake disrupted Malaysia's rhythm in the crucial opening exchanges.
The second set was a tighter contest, with both sides trading points before Malaysia edged ahead 17-15 to level the match. The home side, playing in front of a vociferous home crowd, then dominated the deciding third set to win it 15-10 and seal the match. Malaysia's quartet comprised Muhammad Afifuddin Mohd Razali, Muhammad Shahalril Aiman Halim, Amirul Zazwan Amir, and Aidil Aiman Azwawi.
What the Malaysian Captain Said
Malaysian captain Amirul Zazwan acknowledged the pressure his side faced going into the match, having suffered a shock defeat to South Korea earlier in the day. 'This was a do-or-die match for us because we had already lost to South Korea this morning, so we really wanted to win. We tried our best in the first set, but we made too many unnecessary mistakes. However, we recovered well in the second set and the tie-breaker. Alhamdulillah, tonight we managed to beat India,' he said after the match.
India's Road to the Quarterfinals
Heading into the Malaysia fixture, India had already beaten South Korea 2-1 and Singapore 2-0, putting them in a strong position to qualify regardless of the final group match result. The qualification underlines India's standing as a consistent force in Asian Sepak Takraw, though the defeat to the hosts will serve as a tactical reference point ahead of the knockout rounds. The quarterfinal draw and schedule are yet to be confirmed.
Point of View
That pattern could prove costly. The broader takeaway is that Sepak Takraw remains one of India's more credible pathways to Asian sporting relevance, yet it receives a fraction of the institutional support that would make quarterfinal appearances the floor, not the ceiling.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Did India qualify for the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup quarterfinals?
Yes, India qualified for the quarterfinals of the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup in Kuala Lumpur as Group C winners, despite losing their final group match to hosts Malaysia 2-1 on 17 May. They advanced on a superior overall game points tally in a three-way tie with Malaysia and South Korea.
What was the result of the India vs Malaysia Sepak Takraw match?
Malaysia defeated India 2-1 in their Group C match at Stadium Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur. India won the first set 15-13, but Malaysia levelled with a 17-15 win in the second set and dominated the decider 15-10.
Why was South Korea eliminated despite winning two matches?
South Korea finished level on wins with India and Malaysia but was eliminated because of an inferior overall game points tally in the three-way tie. India and Malaysia had a better combined game-points record, earning them the two quarterfinal spots from Group C.
Who were the Indian players in the Quadrant team at the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup?
India's Men's Quadrant team comprised Ram Kumar Sharma, Yunam Akash, Bobby Kumar, and Sorokhaibam Malemnganba Singh at the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
What is the Sepak Takraw World Cup 2026 and where is it being held?
The 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup is an international tournament for the sport of Sepak Takraw — a Southeast Asian sport combining elements of football and volleyball — being held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. India entered the tournament as Asian Champions.
