KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — The International Sepaktakraw Federation (Istaf) conveyed its condolences to the family of Malaysian sepak takraw legend Adnan Saidin, who died this morning. He was 66.
Istaf secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Kader said Adnan, who was known as Raja Libas (King of Striking), was a remarkable player who conquered the game in the 1980’s.
Abdul Halim, who is also the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (Astaf) president, said Adnan amazed the sepak takraw world for a decade and made significant contributions to the sport.
“As an international sports organisation, we recognise and honour Adnan’s significant achievements in sepak takraw, and we are deeply saddened by his loss. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Adnan’s family, friends, and the entire sports community.
“We pray that Allah SWT grants him a place in Jannah and blesses him with eternal peace and happiness. During this difficult time, we pray that Allah SWT gives his loved ones the strength and courage to bear this great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with them,” he said in a statement today.
Adnan, who was known for his killer strikes, passed away at 6am today at the Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah (HSB), Alor Setar.
His son Mohd Faizal Adnan said Adnan was receiving treatment in private medical centre since last week for suspected tuberculosis, before diagnosed with heart issues and pneumonia and became unconscious before being transferred to HSB yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) also expressed their condolences to the demise’s family.
“Let us all pray for his soul to be blessed and placed among those who have faith in Allah. When he left (the sport), there was no replacement as the King of Asia. He made the country proud with his contributions to sepak takraw,” PSM posted on its Facebook page.
The Alor Setar-born Adnan, who began playing sepak takraw at the age of 10, represented Kedah and Malaysia from 1976 to 1986, where his killer smashes not only injured the opponents, but also his teammates and spectators on a few occasions.
Adnan won three consecutive SEA Games gold medals in the 1979 Jakarta, 1981 Manila and 1983 Singapore Games. Along with his team, they were also crowned champions at the first Inter-Regu Asian Championships in Kuala Lumpur (1984), the King’s Cup Sepaktakraw World Championships (1985), and the MAS / Utusan / RTM Regu Championships (1985 and 1986).
Adnan was given the high honour of being named Asia’s Best Player 1984, and Sepak Takraw King of Asia at the MAS / Utusan / RTM Regu Championships in Kuala Lumpur (1986).
— Bernama
