Malaysia’s next generation of sepak takraw players will have a new stage to showcase their skills as the Liga Takraw Nasional Mekdi 2026 prepares to bring competition across three zones before culminating in a national final in Kuala Lumpur.
Jointly organised by McDonald’s Malaysia and Harian Metro, the league is open to players aged 16 and below, with a total prize pool of RM60,000 up for grabs. The tournament aims to give young and emerging players more opportunities to compete in a structured environment, gain valuable experience and receive wider exposure.
Supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) and the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Association (PSM), the tournament was officially launched at McDonald’s Pantai Sentral Park on September 8 by Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.
McDonald’s Malaysia Managing Director and Local Operating Partner Dato’ Haji Azmir Jaafar said the initiative reflects the company’s efforts to support youth development beyond employment and education.
According to him, young Malaysians also need platforms where they can build confidence, discipline and teamwork while having the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.
“Through this league, we want to help provide another platform for young players to gain competitive experience and wider exposure,” he said.
Three Zones, One National Final
The competition will kick off with the South/Central Zone at Kompleks Sukan Paroi, Negeri Sembilan, from October 9 to 11, followed by the Northern Zone at The Arena of Sport, Sungai Petani, Kedah, from October 16 to 17.
The East Coast Zone will then take place at Stadium Tertutup Gong Badak, Terengganu, from November 20 to 21.
The best young talents will eventually make their way to the National Final at Akademi Sepaktakraw Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur on November 28 and 29.
Ahead of the final, a Sepak Takraw Clinic will also be held on November 26, giving participants the opportunity to learn more about the sport, pick up basic techniques and try the skills themselves on court.
Mini carnivals and community activities are also planned at selected McDonald’s outlets in Seremban, Sungai Petani and Kuala Terengganu throughout the tournament period.
Bringing Sepak Takraw Closer to a New Generation
Harian Metro Group Editor Husain Jahit said its various media platforms will be used not only to report competition results but also to highlight the stories of the young players, teams and communities behind the tournament.
Through print, digital, video, radio and social media coverage, the organisers hope to bring sepak takraw closer to a wider audience, particularly younger Malaysians.
The initiative comes as Malaysian sepak takraw enjoys renewed momentum. Earlier this year, the government announced RM3 million in support for the sport, including RM1 million through a sports matching grant for the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup and RM2 million to support PSM, player welfare and the development of Akademi Sepaktakraw Malaysia.
Registration for each Liga Takraw Nasional Mekdi 2026 zone will open at least two weeks before its respective competition, with further information to be announced through the official platforms of McDonald’s Malaysia and Harian Metro.