Indonesia Keeps Sepak Takraw Medal Hopes Alive With Semifinal Berth

Competing at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Gymnasium in Mizuho Ward, Nagoya, Japan on Wednesday, September 23, Indonesia defeated South Korea 3-0 to advance from Group A alongside Thailand and keep its medal ambitions intact, Antara reported.

Indonesia relied on the consistent play of Muhammad Hardiansyah Muliang and Rizki Yusuf Djaina, who delivered strong performances throughout the tie and successfully handled pressure from their South Korean opponents.

The Indonesian pair made an aggressive start in the opening match and eventually secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory with scores of 15-10, 11-15, and 15-9. The win provided crucial momentum for the remainder of the contest.

Indonesia carried that momentum into the second match, where Muliang and Djaina reduced unforced errors and capitalized on scoring opportunities more effectively.

Their consistency helped them claim consecutive sets, 15-9 and 15-12, giving Indonesia a 2-0 lead overall and moving the team within one win of the semifinals.

South Korea, represented by Heeseop Shin and Hyeongjong Kim, responded with greater intensity in the third match. The pair applied pressure from the outset and managed to take the opening set 15-8.

However, Indonesia quickly regained control. Muliang and Djaina adjusted their approach, maintained longer rallies, and took advantage of South Korean errors to secure the second set 15-12.

The deciding set proved to be the closest of the match, with both pairs exchanging points in a tight contest. Indonesia held its composure in the closing stages, edging the set 15-13 to complete a 2-1 win in the third match and seal the overall tie 3-0.

The result sends Indonesia into Thursday's semifinal, where it will face regional rival Malaysia for a place in the final.

In the other semifinal, Thailand will take on host nation Japan. With a semifinal berth secured, Indonesia remains firmly in contention for a podium finish and will now look to take another step toward a medal in the men's team event. ***