KUCHING: Sarawak’s volleyball coaches are hopeful for a brighter future following the Sarawak International Volleyball Invitational (SIVI) 2025, where both the junior and senior men’s teams gained valuable experience, exposure, and renewed confidence.
For the Sarawak Junior Men’s Team, the tournament marked their first competitive outing as a newly formed squad, one made up of mostly schoolboys, including players as young as 14.
Despite finishing fourth, the young team turned heads with their sheer determination and refusal to back down, even against more seasoned opponents.
Head of the tournament organising committee, Coach Stephanie Law, praised the team’s character, especially considering their limited preparation.
“We only had a few days of training before the tournament. Most of the team are new, with only three having SUKMA experience. But what they lacked in experience, they made up for in spirit,” she told Sarawak Tribune when contacted today (Aug 5).
Spectators and visiting coaches alike were impressed by the grit shown by the juniors — a promising sign as Sarawak builds towards SUKMA 2026.
“They showcased a level of grit and determination that has long been missing from our men’s lineup.
“Many spectators and coaches alike praised their fighting spirit, which gives us hope and confidence as we look ahead to SUKMA 2026,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak Senior Men’s Team, led by Thai coach Attapol Sondee, faced a different kind of challenge — taking on Diamond Food, a powerhouse club from Thailand that competes at the highest level of the Thai Volleyball League.
Sarawak’s team, a mix of local seniors and Thai players, had never played together before and didn’t have the opportunity to train as a complete unit prior to the final. Still, they gave a commendable effort against their highly experienced opponents.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to coach this team,” Attapol said.
“Despite not training together, we fought hard. Diamond Food are a very structured team that trains year-round — to face them was a big honour for us.”
Attapol also expressed appreciation for the hospitality shown by the local volleyball community.
“The support, the care — everything was excellent. I truly hope we can collaborate again in the future,” he said.
Sarawak Men’s Senior lost to Thailand’s Diamond Food 1-3 (17-25, 23-25, 25-21, 17-25) in the final.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Men’s Junior finished fourth behind Hong Kong’s Green Dragon after losing 3-1. They started off with a 25-19 win, before losing 20-25, 27-29, 27-29.
