KLANG, Aug 12 — The state is on course to defend their two 3x3 basketball gold medals after both the men’s and women’s teams secured places in the quarter-finals today, with excellent records.
The achievement gives Selangor the opportunity to repeat its success at SUKMA 2024 in Sarawak, when both teams won gold medals in their respective events.
However, neither wants to become complacent with their group-stage achievements, instead remaining focused on the quarter-final battles that will determine their progress in the medal hunt.
Playing at Gelanggang Bola Keranjang Bukit Tinggi, the women’s team produced a consistent display, recording three wins in Group C against Negeri Sembilan, Johor, and Sarawak.
The men’s team also had little trouble reaching the quarter-finals after overcoming the challenges of Kedah and the Federal Territories in Group A.
Both also received strong support from the home crowd, who livened up the court with cheers and cheerleading performances.
Men’s captain Yap Zen Ha admitted that both group-stage matches had been difficult, but said the victories had boosted their confidence as they seek gold on home ground.
“Both matches were very tough, but we managed to win them, and I feel this is the best opportunity for us to win the gold medal in front of our home supporters.
“The presence of the cheerleading squad really fired us up because this is the first time we have seen something like this happen in basketball,” he told Media Selangor.
Meanwhile, women’s captain Yap Yi Xin also refused to become overly confident despite her team winning all their group-stage matches.
Instead, the focus is now on the quarter-final, with the aim of delivering their best performance and securing a gold medal for the Selangor contingent.
“We are happy with this result and, like the men’s team, we want to give our best to the supporters by contributing a gold medal,” she said.
Selangor now has the opportunity to deliver the host contingent’s first two gold medals tomorrow, two days before the official opening ceremony of SUKMA 2026 on Saturday (August 15).
Should the target be achieved, the success would undoubtedly provide a boost to the state contingent in their quest for overall supremacy in this year's Games.
