Malaysia beat Thailand in closely fought final

THE national squad fulfilled expectations and achieved their target when they won gold after narrowly edging opponents Thailand in the final of the polo event at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games at the Equestrian Centre in Putrajaya yesterday.

The Malaysian team, captained by Shaik Reismann Mohamed Ismail began strongly by carrying out a wave of attacking moves.

Their efforts paid off when they scored three goals through Mohd Zulhelmie Nadzar, Abdul Rashid Hasnan and Tengku Ahmad Shazril Ezzani Tengku Suleiman in the first chakka, while Thailand managed to hit back through Nattapong Pratumlee.

Malaysia added another goal before Thailand got back in the game, scoring thrice in the second chakka to draw the score level at 4-4.

Despite being jolted by the Thais comeback, the national squad managed to bounce back and score three goals in the second chakka to lead the match 7-4.

Both teams carried out attacking moves in the fourth chakka but in the end Malaysia prevailed by taking the final match with a slim scoreline of 9-8.

Shaik Reismann said the team are very happy to come away with gold.

“We are very happy as this win was no easy feat as the Thais were very strong and equally determined to win,” he said yesterday.

Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who was rested for the final, said he is also very happy that the national squad managed to meet the target of winning the gold, and happy to have played a part in helping the team achieve such a feat.

“It really felt very special when His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah bestowed us with the gold medal. I hope the Malaysian contingent can keep up the momentum to win as many more gold medals as possible for the remainder of the games,” he said.

Khairy also expressed his happiness following the Malaysian contingent’s success in winning more than 130 gold medals so far.

“I hope the Malaysian athletes will continue to strive and work hard to win as many gold medals and create history in the process.” Haika Khazi