PANDAMARAN: Pahang’s hockey future remains bright as their budding stars rose to the occasion to clinch both the men’s and women’s titles at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) yesterday.
After losing their crown at the previous edition two years ago in Sarawak, the men’s team defeated Penang 4-2 in the shootout after the final match ended 1-1 in regulation time at the Pandamaran Hockey Stadium yesterday.
Head coach Mohd Sufian Mohamad said more than half of the current squad would still be available for the next Sukma, highlighting the state’s grassroots development in the sport.
"It’s an amazing feeling for us to win once again after losing to Perak two years ago," said Sufian.
"This team right now has more than 60 percent of players who are still eligible to compete at the next edition. That shows that Pahang have no shortage of talent.
Pahang broke the deadlock first through Nor Daniel Md Nor Effendy in the 10th minute, before Penang’s Kryshant Jiwa Mohan equalised in the 28th minute.
Pahang did not miss their chances in the shootouts as Daniel, Ariq Aidil Hakimi Mohd Saufi, Harith Afi Mohd Rishammudin, Che Airell Miqail Che Rosdam scored to give them the 4-2 win.
Meanwhile, Pahang’s women’s team made it double joy when they defended the title for third consecutive year with a 6-5 win against Federal Territories in the shootout after the match also ended 1-1 in regulation time.
FINAL RESULTS
Men: Pahang bt Penang 1-1 (Pahang win 4-2 in shootout).
Bronze-medal match: Perak bt Negri Sembilan 4-1.
Women: Pahang bt Federal Territories 1-1 (Pahang win 6-5 in shootout).
Bronze-medal match: Perak bt Selangor 3-0.
