CelcomDigi STL 2026 Opens New Season with Asian Games Heroes Back in Action

Watch 12 teams battle it out across Seven Grand Prix series on all Astro platforms 

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 October 2026 – The CelcomDigi Sepak Takraw League (STL) 2026 returns for another thrilling season as Malaysia's sepak takraw players rejoin their respective teams after representing the nation at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026. Featuring 12 teams, CelcomDigi STL 2026 will be contested across seven Grand Prix series from 7 October 2026 to 10 January 2027.

The season opened yesterday with the return of Perlawanan Sumbangsih for the first time since 2021, featuring reigning STL Premier champions Perak Bison against defending STL Champions Cup champions Negeri Sembilan Antlers.

Youth and Sports Minister, Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari, said, “The achievement of Malaysia's national sepak takraw team, The Golden Tigers, in ending a 36-year wait for a gold medal in the men's team regu event, while also securing a silver medal in the regu event at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, is a truly proud moment for the nation. Their 2-0 victory against Thailand in the final reflected the strength, discipline and immense potential of Malaysian sepak takraw.

“This momentum must be sustained through continuous player development and the provision of high-quality, competitive competitions. In this regard, the collaboration between the government, the corporate sector and Astro through CelcomDigi STL plays an important role in providing a consistent competitive platform, giving players valuable exposure and creating pathways for emerging talent to develop. We hope the success achieved in Aichi-Nagoya will serve as a catalyst for the continued excellence of Malaysian sepak takraw, ensuring that every generation of players is given the opportunities, exposure and clear pathways needed to progress and reach the highest level.” 

Nicholas John, Head of Sports, Astro, said, “The Sepak Takraw League continues to build strong momentum with fans across the country. Last season, attendance at matches grew by 24%, while STL content generated more than 200 million digital views, reflecting the growing interest and passion for the sport.

“As part of Astro's commitment to growing sports fandom, we are investing in initiatives that bring fans closer to the teams, players and stories behind the game. Through premium production, digital-first content, AI-powered storytelling and grassroots programmes like Klinik STL, we aim to attract new fans and deepen engagement with existing supporters. By growing fandom at every level, we aim to expand STL's reach, inspire the next generation of players and supporters, and further strengthen Malaysia's position as a leading force in sepak takraw.”

Meanwhile, CelcomDigi Head of Brand and Marketing Services, Chan May Ling, said, “For CelcomDigi, sepak takraw is more than just a sport. It represents the passion, identity and community spirit of Malaysians. Through our partnership with STL, we are committed to empowering communities through sport, encouraging active lifestyles, and creating opportunities for young people to realise their potential.

"We are excited to continue our partnership with Astro for a second season as the Title Sponsor of CelcomDigi STL. Beyond bringing the sport closer to fans, we hope platforms such as STL and Klinik STL will continue to identify emerging talent, strengthen youth development and help nurture the next generation of athletes who will take Malaysian sepak takraw to even greater heights.”

President of the Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia (PSM), Datuk Wira Mohd Sumali Reduan, added, “Introduced in 2014 through a collaboration between Astro and PSM, STL has played a significant role in revitalising the sport and expanding its reach across Malaysia. Over the years, the league has continued to grow while providing a competitive platform for local players to develop and progress.

“This season marks another milestone with divisional competition taking place at the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Academy for the first time. Combined with Astro's continued support in promoting the sport and the government's investment in infrastructure and facilities, the academy is expected to play a key role in strengthening the national talent pipeline. The participation of 24 international players from Thailand, the Philippines and Japan also brings a fresh dimension to the competition, introducing new styles of play and making the league even more exciting for fans.”

Tickets for CelcomDigi STL 2026 are now available at www.tickethotline.com. Catch all the action from 6 October 2026 to 10 January 2027. Subscribe to the Astro X3 Sports Pack from as low as RM69.99/month (RRP: RM89.99/month) and stream instantly with no box and no installation required. Visit www.astro.com.my or WhatsApp 03 9543 3838 to subscribe today.