Astro will continue their cooperation with Persatuan Sepaktakraw Malaysia (PSM) to run the Emas Anuar Sepak Takraw League (STL) for 10 more years until 2032.
Nicholas John, Astro's Head of Sports, said the long and good cooperation with PSM since 2014 until now succeeded in bringing changes and new breath to the traditional Southeast Asian sport.
"STL has been an extraordinary phenomenon as we have achieved several accomplishments including reaching around 15.6 million viewers between 2018 and 2021, and collaborating with international broadcasters to promote the competition.
"For the 2021/22 season, the STL has entered the markets of several countries and territories including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and Hong Kong, giving a good indication in terms of acceptance for the sport.
"This competitive and prestigious league has become the focus of fans in the region and of course we want to make STL a prestigious and premium sporting event to be broadcast around the world.
“With this success, it is not impossible for Malaysia to become a sports hub and a great power of sepak takraw in the region. This is also one of the steps to improve the quality of national players in producing world-class sepak takraw players," he said.
Meanwhile, PSM president Sumali Reduan expressed his confidence that the renewed partnership would further improve the efforts of both parties in transforming the sport.
"The association has a clear target to strengthen Malaysia's position in this sport through a long-term commitment with Astro, which has a great platform in promoting this traditional sport.
"We will continue to work together to formulate new strategies and directions in our efforts to restore the glory days of this sport on the international stage," said Sumali.
