Yumnam Akash : First Indian to compete in Malaysia League
- September 12 2024 :: International Sepak Takraw Federation in Malaysia -

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Yumnam Akash : first Indian to compete in Malaysia League :: Pix - People's Chronicle

From The People's Chronicle - September 13 2024

For the first time in history, Manipuri lad Yumnam Akash Singh compete in the 10th Sepak Takraw League (STL), which is being jointly organised by Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia and International Sepak Takraw Federation in Malaysia from September 17 to November 14 .

Akash (27) is the son of (L) Yumnam Nandababu and Yumnam Basanti of Laipham Khunou Mamang Leikai, Imphal East. He was selected for the professional sepak takraw league for male players by Negeri Sembilan Antlers team.

He first began playing football at the age of 11 years in 2006, before eventually shifting to sepak takraw the same year and began competing professionally in 2009 . He won the fastest kick record in 2015 .

Speaking to The People's Chronicle in this regard, Akash expressed elation on being selected for the Malaysian league.

Informing that he among many players requisitioned by the Malaysian club (Negeri Sembilan Antlers team) and will soon leave to join the Club after receiving the clearance from the Union Home Ministry and Youth Affairs of Sports Ministry, Akash, who will be donning the colours of SSB, stated that no deal had been signed as of now. However, he will receive salary for the week he would be playing the league.

He then said that he was informed of the selection through Sepak Takraw Federation of India. The Malaysian club selected him based on his excellent performances in the Asian Games and world championships, he conveyed.

Akash has played over 20 international and 14 national championships till date and won several medals. He was awarded cash prize of Rs 8 lakh by the central government when he won a medal at the Asian Games.

Most recently, he participated in the ISTAF Sepak Takraw World Cup Malaysia, 2024, and won the silver medal at the 37th Kings Cup Sepak Takraw World Championship, Thailand, 2024 .