SELANGOR: NUR Aleesya Zahierah Sali refused to let her SUKMA campaign end with a disputed defeat, returning to the Silambam arena to win the women’s 60–70kg Poruthal title on Monday (Aug 24) and give Sarawak its first-ever gold in the sport.
The Sarawakian defeated Penang’s B. Dharnisha Balaguru 12-9 in a rematch at Stadium MBSJ Serdang Jaya after initially losing 31-33 in the original bout.
Nur Aleesya had already been awarded silver before the result was challenged following a refereeing error in the scoring, prompting officials to order the contest to be replayed.
Given another chance, she seized it.
Displaying composure throughout the rematch, Nur Aleesya overturned the earlier result to become SUKMA champion, improving on the bronze medal she won at SUKMA Sarawak 2024.
Her victory did more than complete a personal breakthrough.
It also gave Sarawak its first-ever silambam gold medal since the sport was introduced to the Games.
