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Iran has expressed interest in competing in the the upcoming 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup at Titiwangsa Stadium next month despite of the ongoing Middle East conflict
According to Bernama, International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF) secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Kader said the Iranian sepak takraw team are currently attempting to secure flight tickets to Malaysia from Turkiye.
"From Tehran, they will travel by road to Turkiye, then they will fly to Kuala Lumpur. Iran still wants to compete even though ticket prices have risen.
"We also have asked Persekutuan Sepaktakraw Malaysia (PSM) if Iran requires any assistance to get here," Abdul Halim said in a press conference yesterday, 12 April.
ISTAF secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Kader.
Image via Bernama via Malay MailIran is among 14 countries expected to compete in the premier category of the tournament, which will take place from 16 to 23 May
Other nations expected to complete include Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, India, South Korea, Japan, Brunei, the Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, and Malaysia.
The tournament dates were previously revised due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
PSM president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan said there had been uncertainty over the participation of Division 1 teams, nearly half of which are from Europe.
"We are considering if we will continue or not, as only two countries — Pakistan and Sri Lanka — have confirmed their participation so far.
"We will conduct the draw this April for the premier category and put the Division 1 on hold first. We will be forced to cancel and focus on the premier category if only two or three teams are available," Mohd Sumali said.
