Women out to tackle a piece of history
THE women’s rugby 7s team are set to write history as they aim to win Malaysia’s first ever Sea Games gold medal in the event.
Their fourth placing at the 2015 Sea Games in Singapore, where they lost to Thailand, Singapore and Philippines, has not lowered their exp e c t ations.
The present team are made up of mostly new players, with many from different sports b a c kgrounds.
“The team managed to get third placing at the Asia 7s Trophy in Laos,” said team manager, Tan Thiam Jin.”
“Most of our players are new. We hope that the team will rise to the occasion, especially playing in front of the home crowd.”
The women’s team have been through intensive training with the most recent stint in Ranau, Sabah to strengthen their stamina through altitude adjustment.
“Preparations have been going as planned since November, last year. “The team have participated in numerous tournament.”
Thiam Jin said the experience and exposure have been crucial as the team undergo their final phase of training to ensure they are in the right mindset.
Apart from formidable Thailand, Singapore and Philippines, the women’s team have been advised to be wary of Laos and Indonesia.
With less than a month to the Games, the team have yet to test out the MBPJ Stadium, the home ground for rugby 7s (men’s and women’s) but Thiam Jin is optimistic they will get the chance to adjust to the field’s environment.
The team also played test matches in Hong Kong during Hari Raya.
“The players performed to expectations and the test matches gave our coaches (led by head coach Nik Safuan Ismade Nik Man) a good assessment of the team. Farah Azharie