Malaysian media: 'Vietnam advances straight to ASIAD while we stay home'

Malaysian press regrets their national team's missed opportunity at ASIAD, contrasting with Vietnam U23 and Thailand U23 still participating and maintaining their presence in this competition.

Vietnam U23 is entering a crucial preparation phase for ASIAD 20, the tournament taking place from mid-September to early October this year. The team has gone to China to participate in an international friendly tournament against opponents North Korea U23, Thailand U23, and host China U23, aiming to accumulate experience and refine their squad.

In that context, Malaysian media expresses regret that their national team lacks the chance to participate. The New Straits Times points out that Southeast Asian representatives in men's football at ASIAD 20 are Vietnam U23 and Thailand U23. These are also the two teams that secured qualification for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026, the factor determining participation in this year's ASIAD.

This newspaper writes: “The Southeast Asian teams with slots for ASIAD 20 are Vietnam U23 and Thailand U23, after they qualified for the finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026.” And emphasizes: “Meanwhile, Malaysia U23 no longer has the opportunity to participate in football at this year's Asian Games, only teams present at the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 finals were granted slots for ASIAD in Aichi-Nagoya (Japan).”

Not stopping at just reporting, the New Straits Times also criticizes domestic football administrators. According to them, the absence from ASIAD is a consequence of past decisions lacking priority for this competition, particularly skipping ASIAD 19 in Hangzhou in 2023.

The newspaper comments: “Malaysia U23's absence from this year's Asian Games stems from the team previously skipping ASIAD 19 in Hangzhou (China).” They argue that at that time, the team prioritized the SEA Games, the Southeast Asian U23 Championship, and the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers due to overly congested schedules.

The limited achievements of Malaysian football in this arena are also recalled. “To date, Malaysia U23's best result was only reaching the quarter-finals in ASIAD 18 in 2018...”, the New Straits Times writes. At the same time, Vietnam U23 reached the semi-finals under coach Park Hang-seo.

In contrast, Vietnamese football continues to demonstrate long-term vision. For ASIAD 20, Vietnam U23 plans to utilize a U21 squad, aiming to prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. This further adds to the regret of Malaysian media that their national team lacks the opportunity to participate and gain valuable experience.