Indonesia's Sepak Takraw Teams Open Asian Games with Wins

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian women's and men's sepak takraw teams made winning starts at the 2026 Asian Games, giving both squads an early boost as they begin their respective campaigns in the men's and women's quadrant events.

The women's team defeated Laos 2-0 (15-8, 15-8) in its opening Group B match at Mizuho Park Gymnasium, Nagoya, Japan, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Dini Mita Sari, Fujy Anggy Lestari, Wan Annisa Rachmadi and Kusnelia produced a convincing performance, controlling both sets despite Laos' attempts to close the gap.

Indonesia immediately played aggressively in the opening set. After taking a 1-0 lead, Indonesia extended its advantage to 6-0 before Laos scored its first point, Antara reported.

Laos attempted to fight back, but Indonesia restored its momentum to lead 8-4. Indonesia maintained control through the middle of the set, reaching 10-5 before closing it out 15-8.

The second set was more closely contested. Laos took an early lead, but Indonesia quickly leveled the score at 1-1.

The two teams then exchanged points, with the lead changing several times. Indonesia moved ahead 7-5 midway through the set and continued to apply pressure after Laos reduced the gap.

Indonesia eventually extended its advantage to 10-7 and led 11-8 in the crucial phase before scoring consecutive points to win the set 15-8.

The victory gives Indonesia an important early result in Group B and demonstrates the team's ability to maintain its advantage across two sets. Kusnelia and her teammates will next face hosts Japan before concluding their group-stage campaign against Malaysia.

The Indonesian men's team also opened its Asian Games campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Korea in the men's quadrant Group B at the same venue on Wednesday, September 30.

Muhammad Hadiansyah Muliang, Muhammad Ubaidur Rohman, Jelki Ladada and Yudha Asinatama produced a solid performance, needing just 37 minutes to defeat South Korea in straight sets.

The opening set was closely contested early on. Indonesia took a 1-0 lead before South Korea quickly leveled the score. Both teams then battled for points as Indonesia worked to maintain concentration and find openings in the South Korean defense.

Indonesia gained momentum by scoring several consecutive points to lead 10-5. South Korea narrowed the gap to 10-6, but Indonesia remained composed in the decisive moments and closed out the first set 15-8.

South Korea again attempted to make a comeback in the second set and scored first, briefly putting Indonesia behind. Indonesia responded quickly, turning the situation around to lead 5-2 and then extending the advantage to 10-3.

South Korea managed to reduce the deficit several times, but Indonesia maintained control through the closing stages and secured the second set 15-7.

The victory provides Indonesia with an important early result in Group B. The men's team will next face hosts Japan before meeting Singapore to conclude the group stage. ***