SELANGOR: Sarawak are one win away from ending a 36-year wait for SUKMA men’s water polo gold after powering past Penang 13-7 in the semi-final at the Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre here today.
The victory sends Sarawak into the gold-medal showdown against hosts Selangor, setting up a mouth-watering final with the state chasing its first SUKMA men’s water polo title since 1990.
Sarawak’s last gold came at the 1990 SUKMA, which was hosted by Sarawak, making Monday’s (Aug 17) final a chance for the squad to bring the title back after more than three decades.
The Sarawak side has been in impressive form throughout the competition, opening its campaign with an 18-13 victory over Negeri Sembilan before producing an emphatic 22-7 win over Perak.
They continued their winning run against Penang today in the semi-final, maintaining their composure and control to secure their place in the final.
Now, they face a Selangor side that will have home support behind them as both teams battle for the coveted gold medal.
The final will also provide Sarawak with an opportunity to cap a remarkable comeback for the state’s water polo programme, which once enjoyed a dominant run on the national scene.
The current squad now has the opportunity to cap that revival by bringing the SUKMA title back to Sarawak.
Earlier this year, Sarawak’s Under-21 men’s side won gold at the Malaysia Age Group Championship, a result that was seen as an encouraging benchmark ahead of SUKMA.
Now, they are just one victory away from turning that promise into SUKMA gold.
And if they overcome Selangor, Sarawak will not only return to the top of the podium but also end a wait that stretches back to the 1990 Games on home soil.
