Malaysian men’s basketball team set to repeat historic win by class of 1989
KUALA LUMPUR: The men’s basketball team have pledged to repeat the team’s historic victory in the 1989 edition while giving their fans a thrilling time at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.
Despite having to face the region’s powerhouses, Philippines and seven times runners-up Thailand, the Malaysian national cagers are determined to accomplish their mission after their meticulous training and with the help of cheering fans on home ground.
Coach Goh Cheng Huat said, the players had gained a lot of confidence and useful experience after participating in a number of intensive training sessions, including a tour of New Zealand last month.
“We are not making any promises (about the medal target), but we will definitely fight for it (the gold medal) ... we will never give up, we will do our best, and fight to the end,” he vowed.
The national men’s team created history when they beat the Games’ perennial winners, Philippines to clinch the gold in the 15th SEA Games in 1989, hosted by Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia have an even chance to win the men’s basket gold medal as they were runners-up for seven times in 1977, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987 and 1997.
The official announcement of national basketball team yesterday was given a nostalgic touch when members of the ‘Class of 1989’ were given the honour to hand over the Jalur Gemilang to the current team with the hope history would be repeated for the country.
“For them (Class of 1989) to come out and pass the f lag, is a true honour…they had done it before and hopefully we can do it (too),” said American- born Malaysian star player Perry Lim, 19.
Th e 1. 9 5 m c hem is t r y underg raduate of Il l inoi s University said he believed the team had prepared wel l and they could deliver something memorable for the nation.
Meanwhi le, the women’s basketball team are all geared up to defend the gold medal they won in the previous edition.
Being the champions for ten times coupled with three silver and four bronze medals since 1977, the girls vowed not to let their supporters down in their own backyard.
For captain, Nur Izzati Yaakob, 28, the squad may have to put up with the pressure of playing hosts, but she assured the team would do the best with the support of local fans.
“I believe, with the incessant cheers of Malaysians in the stadium, we will do our best to beat our competitors,”she said in a jovial mood, adding that they remained cautious with Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia as serious contenders.
In the event, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who is also the Minister of Transport and MCA president, hoped both teams would deliver something special for Malaysia, especially when the country is about to celebrate its 60th National Day on Aug 31. — Bernama