PETALING JAYA, Aug 21 — Selangor lived up to expectations by winning the men's team squash gold medal after defeating Kedah 2-0 at the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) at Kompleks Sukan Astaka MBPJ today.
The state contingent opened the scoring through G. Keshvan, who defeated Kedah's Sim Yeak Wei 3-1 in the first match.
Second singles player Nickhileswar Moganasundharam then produced a dominant performance to defeat Kedah's Aqil Mirza Naim Khairil 3-1 (9-11, 11-9, 11-2, 11-3), securing a comprehensive victory for Selangor.
For Nickhileswar, the achievement was particularly meaningful as it was his first SUKMA gold medal, helping to ease his disappointment after winning only silver in the individual event earlier.
“I feel very relieved and happy. First of all, I dedicate this achievement to my teammates, as winning gold would not have been possible without their support.
“We helped and supported one another and won for each other like brothers. That is what made us a strong team,” he told the media.
Nickhileswar also thanked the coaching staff and everyone who has consistently supported his career.
For the record, he previously made history by becoming the first Malaysian player to win the United States Junior Open Squash Championship in Philadelphia last year.
Meanwhile, the Selangor coach described the victory as particularly sweet after the team had trained intensively for more than a year before finally securing the win on home ground.
“I believe the last time Selangor won the team gold was 10 or 15 years ago, so winning it at home this time is very special.
“Although our team came in as the favourites, our squad is unique because it consists mainly of junior players aged under 18, unlike other states that fielded senior or professional players. In fact, half of this team will still be eligible to represent Selangor at the next SUKMA,” he said.
Earlier, Penang defeated the Federal Territories 2-1 to claim the bronze medal in the same event.
In the women's team event, Melaka won gold after defeating Negeri Sembilan 2-1, while the Federal Territories finished third after overcoming Kedah.
Selangor's squash squad finished SUKMA 2026 with one gold and one silver, with the medals coming from the men's singles and men's team events.
