SHAH ALAM, July 22 — After having to settle for second place at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2022, the Selangor women’s rugby squad are optimistic they can collect gold at the biennial tournament in Sarawak next month.
Selangor coach Mohammad Faiz Samsukhidir said coaching staff have worked hard to strengthen the team by recruiting new, faster players, especially those who have the ability in terms of speed and physical strength.
He said a lack of players with speed was identified as one of the factors attributing to the failure of the Selangor women’s rugby team to fulfil their dream of winning the gold medal at the Sukma two years ago.
“The significant difference between the current squad and the 2022 squad is speed. Now the team has several players who can be sprinters instead of just one in the 2022 squad.
“With that advantage as well as a stronger line-up and a relatively balanced blend between the main and reserve players, we are confident this squad is up to speed to erase the failure of the last Games,” he told Bernama.
At Sukma 2022, the Selangor women’s rugby squad lost 12-17 in the final to Kedah.
On team preparations, Faiz said all players have displayed high commitment in training and are physically and mentally ready to start the gold hunt at Sukma, which will run from August 17 to 24.
He said the main constraint was the relatively limited training time given that almost 80 per cent of the players are students, six of whom have to sit Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia this year.
“I am confident the girls are capable of putting up a formidable challenge, and speed will be the main weapon in the team in succeeding in the mission to win the gold medal,” said Faiz, expecting fierce competition from the Sarawak, Labuan and Terengganu teams.
In addition to rugby, Selangor, which have emerged overall champions nine times, are targeting 61 gold medals this edition, with a focus on swimming, athletics, archery, tennis and badminton.
— Bernama
