PUCHONG, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- The Penang sepak takraw squad reclaimed the men’s regu gold medal at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) after an eight-year wait, coming from behind to defeat Sabah 2-1 at the 2026 Selangor edition at the Subang Jaya City Council Arena Puchong here today.
The trio comprising captain Muhammad Irzan Nazri, Muhammad Imran Mohd Fazli and Muhammad Adi Syazmin trailed 10-15 in the first set before tightening up their game to force a decider with a 15-11 win in the second set.
Penang continued to unsettle Sabah through several powerful smashes by Muhammad Adi Syazmin, with his final spike failing to be properly blocked by Sabah player Irwanizan Seruji, ensuring the gold went to the Pearl of the Orient squad after they won the third set 15-9.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Muhammad Irzan, who played as the feeder, said team spirit was one of the keys to Penang’s comeback after losing the first set.
“The tekong encouraged the feeder, the feeder encouraged the killer, and the killer encouraged the tekong. Everyone helped one another, and this victory is the result of all our hard work in training,” he said.
The last time Penang won the men’s team gold was at the 2018 edition in Perak, after defeating Johor 21-12, 21-10.
Muhammad Irzan, 19, who also contributed to Penang’s men’s team gold last Tuesday, praised Muhammad Adi for his determination in helping the team throughout the match, including his blocking and powerful spikes.
Penang had earlier defended the men’s team event title for the second consecutive time at SUKMA after defeating Johor 2-1.
Meanwhile, hosts Selangor clinched the bronze medal after defeating Kedah 15-5, 15-7.
In the women’s regu event, Sabah won gold after defeating Perak 15-10, 15-13, while Sarawak denied the hosts a medal by taking bronze after defeating Selangor 15-4, 15-9.
SUKMA Selangor 2026, which began on Aug 15, is scheduled to end tomorrow.
-- BERNAMA