Sepak Takraw League

Last updated

Sepak Takraw League
Sport Sepak takraw
Founded7 November 2014;10 years ago (2014-11-07)
No. of teams22 (2024)
CountryMalaysia
Most recent
champion(s)
KL Thunder
(2024)
Most titlesPenang Black Panthers (3)

The Sepak Takraw League, often referred as STL, is a Malaysian men's professional league for sepak takraw, a sport native to Southeast Asia. The competition was established in 2014 by the Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) and Astro Group's subsidiary, Asia Sports Ventures, to develop the sport and groom players for the Malaysia men's national team. Since 2016, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between a top division called STL Premier and a second division called STL Division 1 . A cup competition called STL Champions Cup was introduced in 2017, featuring the top teams from STL Premier and STL Division 1 as well as invitational sides from around Asia. All competitions under the league use the official International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) rules and regulation.

Contents

Since 2018, it has been administered by PSM and Astro Group under a different subsidiary, Astro Arena.

History

Origins

Malaysian sepak takraw was on the decline due to a talent pool shortage in the 2010s, with only 29 players available for national team selection at one point. [1] A professional sepak takraw league was mooted in 2013 after Astro and UFA Sports Asia launched Singapore-based Asia Sports Ventures to undertake the development and global commercialisation of sepak takraw. [2] Numerous discussions were held involving stakeholders to form a league similar to the Takraw Thailand League (TTL), which has been running since 2002. [3] STL was officially launched by then Malaysian Minister of Youth and Sports Khairy Jamaluddin and PSM president Ahmad Ismail in Putrajaya on 7 November 2014. [4]

Foundation year

In its first season, 128 teams participated to qualify for the main competition. The best 16 teams were drawn into four groups, with the top two teams of each group progressing to the knockout stage. Hanelang A were the inaugural STL champions after beating PDRM D in the Grand Final on 18 January 2015, and took home a grand prize of RM20,000. [5]

Professional era

The competition entered its professional era the following season as teams were consolidated and the league was narrowed down to eight teams. [6] The league underwent another major revamp by introducing promotion and relegation system. [7] The new format was well-received, with the viewership of STL hitting a new record of 5.6 million viewers in the 2016 season, improving from 4.8 million viewers a year earlier. [8] STL Champions Cup was created the following year to promote the league outside Malaysia.

In 2018, STL played a huge role in helping Malaysia win a gold medal in sepak takraw at the Asian Games for the first time in 24 years. [9] as the five players involved were from the league - Farhan Adam, Zulkifli Abdul Razak, Syahir Rosdi, Azlan Alias and Norhafizi Abdul Razak. [10] In 2019, the league was officially broadcast outside of Malaysia for the first time, when Indonesian broadcaster TVRI covered STL Champions Cup. [11]

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic

Due to the 2020 movement control order, the league was affected [12] and three teams (Sabah Mountaineers, Sarawak Hunter and Labuan Driller) did not participate. Plans to hold the league around the country were also shelved with all STL Premier and Division 1 matches taking place at Titiwangsa Stadium, with no crowd in attendance. The season began in September but was halted indefinitely a month later. [13] [14] The season resumed again in December and concluded with Kuala Lumpur Thunder winning their maiden STL Premier title. [15] The Kuala Lumpur side became only the second team to do a double by lifting the STL Champions Cup. [16]

10 year anniversary

In 2024, the Grand Prix format [17] was implemented in STL Premier. 10 teams from the previous season plus 2 promoted teams from STL Division 1 competed in a league and championship format in each GP accumulating points in an overall table that determined the winner of STL Premier 2024. KL Thunder created history by sweeping all 5 GP wins to emerge as the overall champion, suffering only 2 losses across a total of 25 games.

Competition format

Regular season

There are currently 12 clubs in STL Premier. During the course of a season, the clubs play each other twice (a double round-robin system) for 18 games. The teams receive two points for a win and zero points for a loss. Teams are ranked by total points, then set difference and then point difference. As of the 2020 season, the top six teams qualify for STL Champions Cup. The two lowest placed teams are relegated to STL Division 1, and the top two teams from STL Division 1 are promoted in their place.

The GP format was maintained in 2025 with an additional venue in Arena 9, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan. However, qualification from the group stage of each GP was updated, with the group winners progressing to the semi finals, while runners-up played in a 5th to 8th classification round. Melaka Titans created history by emerging as champion of the first GP in 2025, held in Terengganu.

For STL Division 1, there are currently 10 clubs, playing each other once. Starting with the 2020 season, teams are divided into two groups, with the top two of each group progress to a promotion playoff stage. Teams that reach the promotion playoff final are promoted to STL Premier and qualify for STL Champions Cup.

STL Champions Cup

Since its inception in 2017, the top teams from STL Premier and STL Division 1, as well as several foreign teams, compete in the post-season tournament. 2024 saw the return of foreign teams to the competition, pitted against the top 4 teams from STL Premier. The 8 teams were divided into 2 groups, with the top 2 moving on to the semi finals.

Sponsorship

The logo of the league featuring its first title sponsor, Emas Anuar. Emas Anuar STL logo.png
The logo of the league featuring its first title sponsor, Emas Anuar.
SeasonTitle sponsorOfficial sponsors/partners
2016 [19] Budi Group, Dashing, Ekspres Perdana, [20] iBookCourt, Marathon,

Minamax Construction, National Education Savings Scheme, Sinar, Sports Arena Sentosa, Spritzer, Subang Jaya City Council

2017Cactus, FBT, Innate Energy, iSooka, Sinar
2018 Era, FBT, Gegar, Sinar FM, Twitter [21]
2019 [22] Gegar, Gem In Mall, [23] Jazz Hotel, Li-Ning, M Roof Hotel & Residences,

Nokia, Sinar Harian, Syok, Zayan

2020 Idemitsu, [24] Li-Ning, [25] Sinar Harian
2021/ 2022 [26] [18] Kedai Emas Anuar Utusan Malaysia, BP Healthcare, Li-Ning, Idemitsu, Zayan, Sinar FM
2022/ 2023 Li-Ning, Idemitsu, Zayan, Sinar FM
2024 Li-Ning, Flash Sukan, Zayan, Sinar FM, Gegar
2025 CelcomDigi [27] Vida, Gajahmas, FBT-UFL, POS Malaysia, First Pride, Tickethotline, Zayan, Sinar FM, Gegar

Champions

STL (Amateur Era)

SeasonChampionsRunners-up
2014Hanelang APDRM D

STL Premier

SeasonChampionsRunners-up
2015ATM GuardiansPenang Black Panthers
2016Penang Black PanthersKuala Lumpur Thunder
2017Penang Black PanthersKuala Lumpur Thunder
2018Penang Black PanthersATM Guardians
2019Perak BisonATM Guardians
2020Kuala Lumpur ThunderATM Guardians
2021/22ATM GuardiansKuala Lumpur Thunder
2022/23Perak BisonKuala Lumpur Thunder
2024Kuala Lumpur ThunderPerak Bison
2025Perak BisonKuala Lumpur Thunder

Grand Prix Format

GPSelangorTerengganuPerakPenangJohorKuala LumpurNegeri Sembilan
2024
Details
KL ThunderKL ThunderKL ThunderKL ThunderKL Thunder--
2025
Details
Melaka TitansPerak BisonMelaka TitansNegeri Sembilan AntlersMelaka TitansNegeri Sembilan Antlers

STL Division 1

SeasonChampionsRunners-up
2016Perak BisonPSM Mavericks*
2017Melaka TitansPDRM Defenders
2018Negeri Sembilan AntlersSabah Mountaineers
2019Selangor PistonsPahang Mammoth
2020Bomba FightersPutrajaya Cyborg
2021/22Melaka TitansKPT-Masum Knights
2022/23PDRM DefendersTerengganu Turtles
2024Kelantan WarriorsSelangor Pistons
2025Melaka TitansBomba Fighters

*Selangor Pistons were promoted instead of PSM Mavericks (then known as PSM A)

STL Champions Cup

SeasonChampionsRunners-up
2017Penang Black PanthersPerak Bison
2018Penang Black PanthersATM Guardians
2019Johor TigrisPenang Black Panthers
2020Kuala Lumpur ThunderPenang Black Panthers
2021/22Kuala Lumpur ThunderJohor Tigris
2022/23Negeri Sembilan AntlersPerak Bison
2024Negeri Sembilan AntlersKuala Lumpur Thunders
2025

Clubs

Current

ClubCurrent division
in 2025
First season in
STL Premier
First season of
current spell in
STL Premier
Total seasons in
STL Premier
Best result in
STL Premier
STL Champions Cup

appearances

ATM GuardiansPremier201520156Champions (2015, 2021/22)3 (2018, 2019, 2020)
Bomba FightersPremier202120251-1 (2020)
Johor TigrisPremier2015201563rd (2019, 2020)3 (2018, 2019, 2020)
Kedah EaglesDivision 12015-27th (2016)-
Kelantan Warriors Premier2015202464th (2015, 2017)4 (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
KPT MASUM/

Malaysian University Knights

Division 1-----
Kuala Lumpur ThunderPremier201520156Champions (2020, 2024)4 (2017, 2018, 2021/22,2022/23, 2024)
Melaka TitansPremier2015202537th (2015)1 (2017)
Negeri Sembilan AntlersPremier2019201924th (2020)3 (2018, 2019, 2020, 2024)
Pahang MammothDivision 12020-19th (2020)-
PDRM DefendersPremier2018-37th (2018)1 (2017)
Penang Black PanthersPremier201520156Champions (2016, 2017, 2018)4 (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
Penjara EnforcersDivision 1
Perak BisonPremier201720174Champions (2019, 2023)4 (2017, 2018, 2019, 2024)
Perlis VipersDivision 1-----
PSM MavericksDivision 1-----
Putrajaya CyborgDivision 1202120211-1 (2020)
Sabah MountaineersDivision 1
Sarawak HunterDivision 1
Selangor PistonsPremier2017202437th (2017, 2020)1 (2024)
Terengganu TurtlesPremier2015-52nd (2016)-

*As of the 2021 season

Former

ClubFirst SeasonFinal SeasonNote
PSM Drillers20162019Did not compete in the 2018 season.
Labuan Drillers20162018Did not compete in the 2019 season. Pulled out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19.

Name changes

ClubFormer Name
ATM GuardiansATM
Johor TigrisSouthern Tigris
Kedah EaglesNorthern Rangers
Kelantan Warriors Gomo Warriors
Kuala Lumpur ThunderCity Flyers
Melaka TitansGreen Titans
Penang Black PanthersBlack Panthers
Perak BisonPerak The Bos Gaurus
PDRM DefendersPDRM
PSM MavericksPSM A
PSM DrillersPSM B
Terengganu TurtlesEast Coast Surfers

International clubs

ClubCountrySeasonBest performance in
STL Champions Cup
Note
Manang City Voyagers Thailand 20173rd
Andalas Islanders Indonesia 2017Group stage
Korea Haechi South Korea 20194th
China Great Wall China 2019Group stage
Indonesia Garuda Indonesia 2019Group stage
Singapore Lions Singapore 2019Group stage
MGPC SingaporeSingapore2024Group stage
Garuda SepaktakrawIndonesia2024Group stage
Royal Thai Air Force Sepaktakraw ClubThailand2024Group stage
STFI India FightersIndia2024Group stage

Awards

STL Premier

SeasonMost Valuable PlayerBest TekongBest StrikerBest FeederBest Foreign PlayerBest CoachBest ManagerBest RefereeFair Play Award
2015 [28] -Tunku Noor Azwari Tunku Ishak (ATM)Wan Anas Muhaimi Wan Asri (Penang)Farhan Adam (Kelantan)-----
2016 [19] Syahir Rosdi (Penang)Syahir Rosdi (Penang)Afifuddin Razali (ATM)Amirul Zazwan Amir (KL)----ATM
2017 [29] Syahir Rosdi (Penang)Syahir Rosdi (Penang)Ahmad Fadzil Mustafa (Perak)Aidil Aiman Azwawi (Kelantan)-Sufian Napiah (Penang)---
2018 [30] Azlan Alias (Penang)Hairul Hazizi (ATM)Azlan Alias (Penang)Farhan Adam (Selangor)-Aswadi Abdullah (ATM)DSP Zakaria (PDRM)-Terengganu
2019 [31] Azlan Alias (Penang)Ahmad Aizat Nor Azmi (KL)Azlan Alias (Penang)Aidil Aiman Azwawi (Kelantan)Apirak Promanee (Kelantan)Aswadi Abdullah (ATM)Major Tajul Hisyam Mamat (ATM)Ariffin Ahmad RahimNegeri Sembilan
2020Amirul Zazwan Amir (KL)Syahir Rosdi (KL)Hafizul Hayazi Adnan (NS)Amirul Zazwan Amir (KL)-Ahmad Supian Napiah (Penang)Zambri Abdul Rahman (KL)Dr. Che Aziz YaacobATM
2021/22Muhd Afiffudin Razali (ATM)Meor Zulfikar (Perak)Muhd Afiffudin Razali (ATM)Amirul Zazwan Amir (KL)Aswadi Abdullah (ATM)Mohd Azlee Hj Ahmad Mahiudin (Penang)Bahtiar JunaidiNegeri Sembilan
2022/23Muhd Zaim Razali (Penang)Rattadech Noijareon (Johor)Noraizat Nordin (Perak)Syahmi Syazwan Aziz (Johor)-Suhairi Abd Aziz (Perak)Zambri Abdul Rahman (KLBaharuddin BaharATM
2024Syahir Rosdi (KL)----Rosli Abd Rahman (KL)Mohd Jaffrey Mohd Zainol (Perak)Aminunajjah Mohd Yunus-


From 2024 onwards, individual player awards were given out after each Grand Prix and a new Fans Choice category was added:

SeasonGPBest TekongBest StrikerBest FeederFans Choice
2024SelangorHaziq Hairul (NS)Azlan Alias (KL)Amirul Zazwan (KL)Meor Zulfikar (Perak)
TerengganuSyahmi Husin (PDRM)Azlan Alias (KL)Zaim Razali (Penang)Zaim Razali (Penang)
PerakZuhri Zin (Selangor)Ariff Daniel (Selangor)Amirul Zazwan (KL)Noraizat Nordin (Perak)
PenangHaziq Hairul (NS)Noraizat Nordin (Perak)Amirul Zazwan (KL)Kritsada Sunvung (Perak)
JohorHaziq Hairul (NS)Hafizul Hayazi (NS)Zulefendi Sumari (NS)Noraizat Nordin (Perak)
2025TerengganuSyahir Rosdi (Melaka)Azlan Alias (Melaka)Zaim Razali (Penang)Azlan Alias (Melaka)
N SembilanHaziq Hairul (NS)Shahalril Aiman (PDRM)Farhan Adam (Johor)Haziq Hairul (NS)
K LumpurSyahir Rosdi (Melaka)Hafizul Hayazi (NS)Zaim Razali (Melaka)Aidil Aiman (Perak)
JohorHaziq Hairul (NS)Hafizul Hayazi (NS)Zulefendi Sumari (NS)Hafizul Hayazi (NS)
PerakKritsada Sungvung (Perak)Noraizat Nordin (Perak)Aidil Aiman (Perak)Aidil Aiman (Perak)
Penang

STL Division 1

SeasonBest TekongBest StrikerBest FeederBest CoachBest ManagerFair Play Award
2016 [19] Meor Ahmad (Perak)Fadzil Mustafa (Perak)Safarudin Abu Bakar (PSM A)--Perak
2017 [32] [33] Sahidan Ali (Melaka)Hafiz Izudin Wahab (PDRM)Adli Abu Bakar (Pahang)Khairul Anuar Ibrahim (Melaka)--
2018 [34] Izwan Zukri (Sabah)Khairol Zaman (NS)Fakhrul Razi Ismail (Pahang)Isa Sidek (NS)Azam Yaakob (Pahang)-
2019 [35] Adam Aiman Zainol (Putrajaya)Muslim Mohammad (Putrajaya)Farhan Adam (Selangor)Khairul Bahrin (Putrajaya)Yusof Mohamed (Pahang)-
2020Irsyad Faiz Aziz (Bomba)Fadzil Baharudin (Putrajaya)Amir Aizad (MASUM-UPM)Ahmad Zain (Bomba)Ridzuan Ahmad (Melaka)-
2024Puraced Yodsaen (Kelantan)Nonthanan Sombatlay (Selangor)Adli Abu Bakar (Kelantan)Noor Azman Abd Hamid (Selangor)Mahizi Mahmood (Kelantan)-
2025Syahir Rosdi (Melaka)Khairul Hafizi (Malaysian University)Zaim Zamri (Bomba)Khairul Anuar Ibrahim (Melaka)Muhd Ismail Famin (Bomba)

STL Champions Cup

SeasonMost Valuable PlayerBest TekongBest StrikerBest Feeder
2017 [36] Syahir Rosdi (Penang)Syahir Rosdi (Penang)Fadzil Mustafa (Perak)Farhan Adam (Penang)
2018 [37] Syahir Rosdi (Penang)Syahir Rosdi (Penang)Hafizul Hayazi (NS)Aidil Aiman (Kelantan)
2019 [38] Noraizat Nordin (Johor)Lim Tae-gyun (Korea)Noraizat Nordin (Johor)Farhan Adam (Penang)
2020Amirul Zazwan Amir (KL)Hairul Hazizi (ATM)Shahalril Aiman (Penang)Amirul Zazwan Amir (KL)
2024Haziq Nizam (NS)Syahir Rosdi (KL)Noraizat Nordin (Perak)Zulefendi Sumari (NS)

World feed coverage

BroadcasterYearNote
Astro Arena (Malaysia)2014-current
TVRI (Indonesia)2019 & 2023STL Champions Cup only in 2019 [11]
ALL SPORTS (USA) [39] 2021
ELEVENSPORTS.com 2022Available in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Hong Kong. [40]
Fiji Broadcasting Centre, Ariana Radio & Television Network (Afghanistan), Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation 2024Broadcast began from Perak GP

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