BANGKOK: Years of grassroots development pay dividends as players nurtured by Sarawak coach Sylvia Alexander Lian help Malaysia’s women’s rugby team clinch a historic silver medal at the SEA Games.
The national side reached the SEA Games final for the first time before finishing runners-up to hosts Thailand at the Royal Thai Air Force Stadium Dhupatemiya.
For Sylvia, who is based in Miri, the achievement is especially meaningful, having coached several players since their school days and guided them beyond technical skills to discipline and character that have now translated onto the regional stage.
“As their coach, I am very proud of the girls seeing them excel at the SEA Games 2025.
“I have coached them since they were in school, which took many years, not only to develop their skills but also to build their character and values. Seeing this achievement now, it has truly borne fruit,” said Sylvia when contacted recently.
She also expressed gratitude to the players’ families for their unwavering support throughout the long journey.
“I am very thankful to the parents for their full support and trust in us to take care of the girls,” she added.
Sarawak’s contribution to the national women’s rugby programme has been consistent over the years, with players such as Fedilia Telajan, Cindy John Pasan, Dayang Manggi and Stancy Ling who won bronze at the 2017 SEA Games, paving the way for the next generation.
At the 2025 SEA Games, Miri-born duo Valerie Juan and Josie Mavcellina Gone continued that legacy by playing key roles in Malaysia’s historic silver-medal campaign.
Valerie said the achievement was especially emotional for the squad, having set silver as their target heading into the tournament.
“We were very emotional and extremely happy because we achieved our target,”
“What we wanted from the beginning was the silver medal,”she said.
Josie highlighted the chemistry between the Sarawak pair, while acknowledging the challenges faced against higher-ranked opponents in the final.
Despite the defeat to Thailand, the breakthrough result has sparked optimism for the future of women’s rugby in Malaysia, with Sylvia hopeful that the achievement will inspire more young girls to aim higher.
“Thanks to Malaysia Rugby for ensuring athletes from all states have the opportunity to be selected,”
“I hope from this example, more girls will be inspired to play at a higher level,”she said.
