Dhaka in line for Asian Sepak Takraw, Zia Cup South Asian Championship 

Dhaka is set to host the 7th South Asian Sepak Takraw Championship in January 2027, while Bangladesh has also received preliminary approval to stage the Asian Sepak Takraw Championship in 2028, according to the Bangladesh Sepak Takraw Federation.

The South Asian championship, to be titled the Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman Cup 7th South Asian Sepak Takraw Championship Dhaka 2027, will be held from 20 to 30 January at the Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium in Mirpur. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has already granted government approval for the hosting through the National Sports Council. 

India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and hosts Bangladesh are expected to take part in the regional championship. 

Bangladesh previously hosted the South Asian championship in 2022, when the hosts won silver medals in both the quad and team events and bronze in the regu event. 

The federation said the preliminary nod for the 2028 Asian championship was conveyed at an Asian Sepak Takraw Federation meeting. ASTAF president Datuk Abdul Halim Kader of Singapore and secretary general Boonchai Lorhpipat of Thailand hold those positions, according to Olympic Council of Asia records. 

A final decision on the 2028 hosting is expected during the inaugural U19 Asian Sepak Takraw Championship in the Philippines in November. The continental youth championship is scheduled for 18 to 25 November in Manila. 

Bangladesh Sepak Takraw Federation general secretary Mohammed Faruque Dhali said he had requested that State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque be invited to the Philippines event so that the proposed Asian championship could be finalised in his presence.

Dhali said the federation's ambition extends beyond hosting tournaments.

He said, "Our target is to win a medal in sepak takraw at the 2030 Asian Games. We can do it, InshaAllah."

He said the federation, under the guidance of president Mahbubur Rahman Khokon, was working systematically towards that goal.