Sukma XXI: Sabah women’s team strike gold in sepak takraw

BINTULU (Aug 17): The Sabah women’s team clinched the gold medal after defeating Sarawak 3-0 in the sepak takraw final at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) XXI on Friday.

Sabah State Sepak Takraw Association president Roslie Ibrahim said the team had an excellent showing and contributed gold medals for Sabah.

“We achieved remarkable success over the past two days. We aimed to defend all the gold medals we won last edition (of Sukma). Thank you very much to the players for showing high commitment and doing their best to ensure the gold medal,” he said.

He noted the team comprised both experienced and new players.

“Not all players participated in the last Sukma — some are newly trained and played this season. Indeed, experienced players have played for the Sabah team and some even played in the national team,” he said.

According to him, in the past, excluding 2018, Sabah were champions in the regu and double categories.

“The gold medal for the double event was brought back to Sabah and after that, we won everything. Our target was four gold medals for the women’s category.

“For the men’s category, we only trained for one month but gave a strong competition and managed to reach the quarter-finals. We hope the men’s team will contribute medals, not necessarily gold, for Sabah,” he said.

Meanwhile, head coach Daut Amba expressed his gratitude for the gold medal.

“For the upcoming matches in the quadrant, double and regu events, we will have discussions between coaches and management to facilitate these events. Of course, we want to defend all the gold medals we won previously,” he said.