Disputes over judging in combat sports provide heated drama at Games

PETALING JAYA: The Selangor Malaysia Games (Sukma) may have ended on Monday, but the competition was not without its share of controversy, particularly over judging and officiating.

Several sports were caught up in disputes over decisions that left athletes and state contingents dissatisfied.

Silambam, which returned to the Sukma programme in Selangor, was among them after controversy erupted on the final day when Sarawak’s Nur Aleesya Zahierah Sali was eventually awarded the gold medal in the women’s poruthal 60-70kg category.

The 17-year-old had initially been awarded silver after losing 31-33 to Penang’s B. Dharnisha at the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) Stadium in Serdang Jaya.

However, Sarawak lodged a protest over the result and the decision was later overturned, handing Aleesya the gold medal.

The Penang Sports Council admitted the outcome had affected their overall medal tally, with the state eventually finishing fifth with 39 golds, 55 silvers and 62 bronzes.

“The decision had a major impact on our athlete as well as Penang’s chances of winning gold and silver medals, which could have changed the contingent’s overall position,” the council said in a statement.

“We respect the decision of the competition, but at the same time, we will continue to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency and integrity in sport, especially at a prestigious event such as Sukma.

“Athletes who have trained, sacrificed and fought for their state deserve fair competition and technical management with integrity.

“In sport, everyone competes with one goal – to win and be the best.

“We gave everything we had and fought until the end. Although we did not fully achieve the target we had set, we still finished what we started with our heads held high and with pride, while proving that Penang are capable of competing with the best contingents in the country.”

Muay thai was also caught up in controversy after Johor’s Damia Husna Azian narrowly lost to Sarawak’s Emylia “Mia” Ghazali (pic) in the women’s 42-45kg final, prompting questions over the scoring.

The Muaythai Malaysia Association, however, clarified that all bouts at Selangor Sukma, from the opening rounds to the finals on both rings, were officiated by 14 neutral international technical officials from Thailand under world governing body IFMA.

Not every costly incident at the Games involved officiating, though, with mistakes by athletes and state teams themselves also proving decisive.

Terengganu’s women’s rugby sevens team were left frustrated in their semi-final against Sarawak after a player registration error cost them a place in the final.

For the first time at Sukma, rugby teams were required to submit a player list for every match.

Terengganu fielded a player who had not been registered for the semi-final, prompting Sarawak to lodge a protest.

The protest was upheld, ending Terengganu’s hopes of reaching the final.

The judging controversies at Selangor Sukma should serve as a lesson for Kelantan, who will host the next edition in 2028.