SIBU, Aug 23: In a thrilling and momentous victory, the Sarawak women’s volleyball team claimed the gold medal in the indoor volleyball event at the 21st Malaysian Games (Sukma 2024), ending an 11-year drought for the state. The victory, achieved by defeating defending champions Selangor, was met with immense joy and pride from players, coaches, and supporters alike.
The highly anticipated gold medal match took place at the Rejang Park Indoor Volleyball Stadium, where a packed crowd, led by Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, witnessed the Sarawak team rise to the occasion. The Sarawak players demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, winning three of the four sets to secure the gold.
Intense Battle from Start to Finish
The match kicked off with both Sarawak and Selangor showcasing their prowess on the court. The first set saw Sarawak establish dominance, taking it comfortably with a 25-15 win. The momentum continued into the second set, where the Sarawak team, backed by an enthusiastic home crowd, clinched another victory with a score of 35-16.
However, Selangor, the defending champions, were not ready to concede defeat easily. They mounted a strong comeback in the third set, edging out Sarawak 21-25, showing that they were still in the fight. Despite this setback, the Sarawak team remained focused and determined. In the fourth set, they regained their composure, sealing the victory with a 25-18 win and clinching the gold medal.
A Triumphant Return to Glory
The victory was particularly sweet for Sarawak, as it marked their first gold medal in the women’s indoor volleyball event since 2013. The team’s coach, Sanong Kulchin, a seasoned volleyball coach from Thailand, could not hide his elation at the achievement.
“Our win today is the result of three months of intensive training and unwavering determination. We set our sights on the gold, and today, we have achieved it,” said Sanong, beaming with pride.
Sanong’s experience and strategic guidance were instrumental in leading the team to this historic victory. The players, too, expressed their gratitude for the support they received from fans and the coaching staff throughout their journey.
The Captain’s Pride
Team captain Moh Sheau Jun, a key player in the match, shared her joy and appreciation for the fans who turned out in full force to support them.
“Whenever we compete in other states, we rarely have many supporters. But this time, competing in Sibu, we were thrilled to have such strong support, and it helped us claim the championship,” Moh said, her voice filled with emotion.
She also took the opportunity to thank her teammates and the coaching staff for their relentless efforts, which culminated in this significant achievement for Sarawak.
A Reflection on the Journey
Assistant coach Angela Tan, who was part of the last Sarawak team to win gold in this category in 2013, reflected on the team’s journey to victory. She acknowledged the challenges faced during the match, especially in the third set, but praised the team’s resilience in overcoming them.
“We could have won in straight sets, but in the third set, I think our excitement got the better of us, and Selangor took advantage. Fortunately, we regained our focus, won the fourth set, and ultimately secured the gold for Sarawak,” Angela recounted.
The significance of this victory was not lost on the team, especially for Angela, who has now contributed to Sarawak’s success both as a player and a coach.
A Golden Future Ahead
The triumph of the Sarawak women’s volleyball team has not only brought pride to the state but also set a new standard for future competitions. The win is expected to inspire the next generation of volleyball players in Sarawak to aim high and continue the legacy of excellence.
A day earlier, the Sarawak men’s volleyball team also delivered a commendable performance, securing a bronze medal after defeating Johor 3-0. The achievements of both the men’s and women’s teams at Sukma 2024 highlight the strength and potential of Sarawak in the national volleyball scene.
As the dust settles on this remarkable victory, Sarawak can proudly celebrate its return to the top of Malaysian women’s volleyball. The gold medal is not just a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication but also a beacon of hope for more golden moments to come.