Indonesia Secures Third Sepak Takraw Bronze as Women’s Quadrant Campaign Ends

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s sepak takraw delegation added a third bronze medal to its Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 tally on Friday, October 2, following the women’s quadrant team’s semifinal defeat against powerhouse Thailand.

The latest result at Mizuho Park Stadium in Nagoya, Japan, brings Indonesia’s overall sepak takraw haul to three bronze medals, building on earlier podium finishes in both the men’s and women’s team regu events.

In Friday’s crucial semifinal, the Indonesian women’s quadrant squad, led by team captain Kusnelia, fell in straight sets (9-15, 4-15) to a formidable Thai side that had advanced to the knockout rounds as group runners-up.

Despite entering the match with high hopes of reaching the championship final, the Indonesian squad struggled to breach Thailand’s tight defensive line.

"Alhamdulillah (All Praises to Allah), my teammates and I gave our best effort. Perhaps it was not our time yet," Kusnelia said following the match, as quoted by Antara.

Reflecting on the performance, Kusnelia identified key tactical shortcomings that proved decisive against the clinical Thai opposition, particularly in frontline execution and defensive structure.

"In terms of evaluation, we were likely underprepared defensively, particularly in handling frontcourt plays," Kusnelia noted.

Throughout the contest, the team managed by Ramli Komang found it difficult to generate points through forward spikes due to Thailand's disciplined blocking and rapid court coverage.

With their Asian Games run concluded, the women's squad will redirect its focus toward long-term preparations for next year's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games multi-sport event.

Indonesia retains an opportunity to expand its medal collection in Nagoya through the men’s quadrant event, with the national squad scheduled to face Myanmar in the semifinals on Friday afternoon. ***