SAMARAHAN: The Samarahan team carved their own piece of history by clinching the men’s team title at the 2025 Sarawak Cup Sepak Takraw Championship.
The hosts, led by veteran coach Nurudin Pawi, defeated three-time champions Kuching with a 2–1 victory in a thrilling final held at the Kota Samarahan Indoor Stadium on Thursday night (Jun 19).
Samarahan had advanced to the final after edging out last year’s runners-up, Bintulu, also with a 2–1 win in the semi-finals.
However, the final didn’t start well for the home side, as Regu A suffered a heavy loss (15–5, 15–10), giving Kuching an early 1–0 lead.
Undeterred, Samarahan bounced back through Regu B, who levelled the score with a convincing win (15–11, 15–9).
The decisive point came in the final match as Regu C sealed the championship with a hard-fought win (13–15, 15–12, 15–8), sparking celebrations among the home crowd.
Samarahan Division Sepak Takraw Association (SDTA) president Mohd. Nizam Wang was oozing joy over the team’s historic win.
“Congratulations and thank you to the players for ensuring Samarahan emerged as champions in this year’s tournament.
“I believe this victory marks a turning point in Sarawak’s sepak takraw landscape.
“It has effectively ended Kuching’s long-standing dominance in the sport at the state level,” Mohd. Nizam told Sarawak Tribune after the final.
He described the final match as dramatic, involving all three regu in an intense 50-50 showdown between the two teams.
Meanwhile, Mohd. Nizam also hinted that rewards and incentives may be given to the players and coaching staff by SDTA in recognition of their achievement.
