KUALA LUMPUR: Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia's (STAM) new head coach, Iskandar Arshad, is giving emphasis on muscles and mental strength.

This was the criteria used when he shortlisted 27 players during a two-day carnival which ended in Bukit Jalil yesterday. The inaugural carnival drew 66 teams and it was a good platform for Iskandar to identify new talents and to assess the strengths of former players who want to don national colours again.

Among the former national players who competed were Mohd Zulkifli, Futra Abdul Ghani, Mohd Normanizam and Zulhafizudin Roslan. The squad will be pruned to 18 for the national team. Iskandar said the final squad would have a fusion of young and experienced players, including some "old guards".

“I am not particularly worried about the skills of the players but we lack the stabilising factor and extra muscles.

“The experience of former players will certainly be an advantage. Their presence can motivate the young players too. We lack endurance and mental strength.

“The carnival attracted many teams. It gave us an opportunity to identify players for the national team. I am delighted with what I have seen and the interest shown.

“There were some former national players who merit selection,” said Iskandar, who was assistant coach to former Haris Abdul Rahman.

The teams who qualified for quarterfinals received cash prizes totalling RM10,000. The trio of current national players — Ahmad Sofi Hashim, Norsharudin Mat Ghani and Farkhan Adam — representing UPM ‘A’ pocketed RM3,000 as champions.

They defeated Armed Forces ‘A’ comprising Mazli Mohd Soh, Sazali Saat, Shahrudin Salim 21-13, 21-12. The runnersup received received RM2,000.