KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 — The Malaysian Sepaktakraw Association (PSM) agrees with the decision of the International Sepaktakraw Federation (Istaf) to adopt a 15-point scoring system.
The system limits each team to only one service (per winning rally) instead of the current three for all domestic and international competitions starting from February 1 next year.
However, PSM President Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan said they will still engage in discussions with Istaf to maintain the 21-point scoring system if there is an opportunity to do so in future meetings with the international body.
He said the new scoring system is unsuitable, as it may not provide satisfaction to players and spectators as the duration of the matches will be shortened.
“We have proposed (to keep the 21-point system with a single service), but the decision has already been made, so we must abide by it.
“This means we accept Istaf’s decision to introduce the 15-point scoring system, but in the future, if there is room for discussion (with Istaf), I will voice it again (to retain the 21-point scoring system).
“We conducted a thorough demonstration of the 15-point scoring system without including three services. The comprehensive review revealed the system’s appropriateness is questionable due to its excessively brief duration.
“This raises concerns that sepak takraw’s distinctive and artistic elements may be somewhat compromised,” he told the press yesterday night.
Sumali added the Asian Championship in South Korea in April next year will likely be the first event to adopt the new scoring system, followed by the World Cup in Kuala Lumpur in May.
Asked whether Malaysia would have an advantage or otherwise with the new system introduced by Istaf, he said they have yet to find out its advantages.
“The advantages? No one, not even Thailand, Indonesia, or any other country, can ascertain them at this point in time. The primary concern is the insufficient time available to adapt to the new system, which is causing apprehension among us.
“Only after the meeting of the Sports Executive Committee with the National Sports Council today (December 12), will we decide when to start training with the coaching staff and players using the new system,” Sumali said.
Yesterday, Istaf secretary-general Abdul Halim Kader announced that during its Executive Committee Meeting on December 8, the decision to implement a 15-point scoring system was made.
With the 15-point scoring system, if the teams are tied at 14 – 14, then the first team to score the 17th point will be the winner.
— Bernama
