Host Indonesia has filed a protest with the Asian Sepak Takraw Federation (ASTAF) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) for approving the belated inclusion of Malaysia in the men’s regu event at the Asian Games.

Indonesian Sepak Takraw Association (PB PSTI) chairman Asnawi Abdul Rachman told a media conference on Thursday that Indonesia was not alone in demanding that the two Asian sports organizations follow the rules.

China, India, Nepal, Pakistan the Philippines, Singapore and South Korea have echoed Indonesia’s objection to the decision.

“The ASTAF and the OCA have defied their own rules, or I could say they do not know the rules. It is an advantage for the Malaysian team but a disadvantage for others,” said Asnawi. He added that Indonesia’s protest had remained unaddressed.

According to Asnawi, Malaysia had only submitted names of athletes for the men’s regu team and men’s doubles events. The draw was held on July 5, but in the managers’ meeting on Aug. 19, Malaysian athletes were also listed for the men’s regu event.

A letter sent by ASTAF to Indonesia Asian Games Organizing Committee (INASGOC) chairman Erik Thohir says the draw was legitimate and final. The letter, dated Aug. 12, was signed by ASTAF president Abdul Halim Kader and secretary-general Boonchai Lorhpipat.

The men’s regu competition is slated for Aug. 26-28 at Ranau Hall, Jakabaring Sports City (JSC) in Palembang, South Sumatra. Malaysia defeated Indonesia in the men’s team regu semifinals on Wednesday but lost to Thailand in the final later that day.

It was the second time host Indonesia has spoken out against the running of a sepak takraw competition. On Sunday, the Indonesian women’s team opted to walk out of its match against Malaysia on allegations of bad refereeing. Coach Asry Syam had approached the referee to protest a decision in favor of Malaysia when Indonesia was leading 16-10 in the second set.

Following the incident, the international sepak takraw governing body said Asry could face sanctions if an investigation found him guilty of ordering his players to forfeit the match.

Despite the protest on Thursday, Indonesia went on to play Japan in their Group A match of the men’s team doubles event. Indonesia lost 1-2 in the morning game, but came back strong in the afternoon to post a 2-1 win over the Philippines and keep its hope for qualifying for the semifinals alive.

On Friday, Indonesia will need a win over Vietnam, which was defeated by the Philippines on Thursday, to stay in contention for a medal.

In Group B, Myanmar lost its chance to qualify for the semifinals after suffering defeats from Thailand and Laos on Thursday.

National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Suhartono Suratman expressed his confidence that the national sepak takraw team would add more medals to the nation’s tally after securing two bronzes earlier this week.

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