BANGKOK: Despite an injury-ravaged campaign, Malaysia’s men’s 5×5 basketball team ended their 33rd SEA Games run just outside the podium after a 80–68 loss to Indonesia in the bronze medal match.
Short-handed for much of the tournament, Malaysia were pushed to their limits as injuries severely reduced their rotation. The team found themselves trailing by more than 20 points during the contest but showed commendable grit to keep fighting until the final whistle.
Coach Kuek Tian Yuan said the team’s return to the SEA Games top four after many years was still a positive outcome, praising his players for their refusal to give up despite the difficult circumstances.
“Injuries were a major challenge for us throughout this SEA Games.
“While injuries are part of basketball, it was unfortunate that nearly four of our players were affected.
“In the final game, only a few were able to step up and play, and we ended up competing with just four players, which speaks volumes about the players’ commitment,” he told Sarawak Tribune at the Nimibutr Arena here last night (Dec 19).
Kuek added that the coaching staff had meticulously prepared the team by studying the playing styles and strategies of each opponent, including regional powerhouses, to ensure the players were mentally and tactically ready for every match.
Looking ahead, Kuek said the squad would take time to recover before attention turns to future national team plans.
“Everyone has worked extremely hard over the past few days. For now, the priority is rest, and we’ll see next year when the national team reviews and considers these players again,” he said.
