KUALA LUMPUR: The Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (STAM) is keen to host the inaugural Asia Cup here next year but will need time to make a decision.
STAM president Datuk Sumali Reduan said there were a number of factors which have to be considered in detail first.
"The Asian Sepak Takraw Federation (Astaf) have offered us the Asia Cup, possibly due to our success in hosting the World Cup here recently (May)," said Sumali after STAM's supreme council meeting in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
"In principle we have agreed, however, there are a number of factors we have to look at in more detail first.
"The two main things are the funding involved as well as our tight schedule for next year.
"We will be hosting the Sepak Takraw League (STL), Tun Ali Cup and possibly a number of other competitions.
"We will also be competing in the Thailand Sea Games next year, which is an important competition.
"We will discuss all these factors with Astaf, the Youth and Sports Minister (Hannah Yeoh) as well as the Sports Commissioner (Suhardi Alias) over the next few weeks.
"We will make a concrete decision after we have concluded the discussions."
Sumali added that if Malaysia turns down hosting the Asia Cup, STAM might decide to "upgrade" the Tun Ali Cup to an international competition.
"Our goal is to host at least one international tournament in Malaysia every year," said Sumali.
"Upgrading the Tun Ali Cup to an international competition is a possibility. The earliest we can do that is next year."
STAM also held their annual general meeting last night, during which the national squad were presented with incentives totaling RM170,000 from the National Sports Council for their achievements during the World Cup.
Malaysia upset heavyweights Thailand to win both the doubles and inter-regu categories at the World Cup held at Titiwangsa Stadium in May.
The Thais, however, beat Malaysia in the team event final.