By DayakDaily Team
SELANGOR, Aug 17: The Sarawak men’s water polo team’s 36-year wait to reclaim the gold medal at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) reached the end when it defeated hosts Selangor with a score of 9-6 during the final held at the Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre here today.
According to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, Sarawak faced a tough challenge, trailing 1-2 in the first quarter before both teams drew 1-1 in the second quarter, leaving Selangor ahead 3-2 overall.
However, Sarawak mounted a strong comeback in the third quarter, scoring four goals compared with Selangor’s one to turn the score around to 6-4.
The momentum continued into the final quarter, with Sarawak adding three more goals while Selangor scored twice before the match ended 9-6 in favour of Bumi Kenyalang.
The victory capped a memorable day for the Sarawak water polo contingent, with both the men’s and women’s teams winning gold in their respective events.
Sarawak Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development and Chef de Mission of the Sarawak contingent, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, was also present.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak women’s 4x100m relay quartet ended a 40-year gold medal drought by winning the event held at the UPM Serdang Stadium today.
In the final, Ormilla Octavia Codday Nyadau, Maritza Ferrer Neil Armstrong, Alvinia Aivie Jackly, and Siti Nur Aalia Mohamad Hamka emerged victorious with the fastest time of 46.890 seconds to secure gold for the Sarawak contingent.
Ormilla produced a spectacular finish when her sprint over the final 100 metres saw her overtake the Terengganu runner in the closing moments to secure gold for Sarawak.
As of 8.42pm, Sarawak has accumulated 29 medals comprising ten gold, six silver, and 13 bronze—placing fourth behind Johor and Terengganu, with host state Selangor still holding on to first place with 39 medals, of which 14 are gold, 15 silver, and ten bronze. — DayakDaily
