SELANGOR: Sarawak’s women’s rugby team may have fallen short of gold again, but back-to-back Malaysia Games (SUKMA) silver medals have strengthened the squad’s belief that the title is within reach.
Team manager Faqrul Hafiz Abu Bakar said the team could take pride in reaching another final despite missing out on the top prize.
“Whatever the result, we are so proud of the girls. It is not easy to reach this stage,” he said.
Faqrul said reaching consecutive finals showed the team’s progress, with Sarawak securing silver at two straight editions after also losing to the same opposition in the final at SUKMA Sarawak 2024 in Miri.
“We did not get the gold this time, but we will get it next time, Insya-Allah,” he said.
Sarawak’s gold hopes were ended by hosts Selangor, who secured a 41-0 victory in the final at Sultan Suleiman Field today (Aug 23).
Despite the defeat, head coach Sylvia Alexander Lian said she believes her players have the character and determination to go further.
“Our girls can go further. They are very eager and they have a strong heart,” she said.
Sylvia said the team now needed more competitive matches to help them close the gap against the country’s leading sides.
“Now, we need them to have more games. Yes, we want to go for gold,” she said.
She added that the coaching staff would review and restructure their programme, including its organisation and strategic planning, ahead of their next campaign.
During the final, Sylvia said she reminded the players to remain composed and trust what they had worked on throughout their preparation.
“We just told them to calm down, stay focused and not put pressure on themselves.
“Play the way they should be playing. What they have learned for months, use it and just stay calm until the end,” she said.
She also thanked the Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS), Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) and Sarawak Rugby Union (SRU) for their continued support.
“Hopefully, we will work hard next time and try to get our goal,” she said.
