KLANG, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Pahang capped off an outstanding campaign at the Selangor Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2026 by pulling off a glorious double gold sweep in hockey at the Pandamaran Hockey Stadium today.
The men's team regained the gold medal after two years by beating Penang 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw. The women's team secured their third straight SUKMA title with a 6-5 shoot-out win over Federal Territories, also after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
In the men’s final at the Pandamaran Hockey Stadium here, Pahang opened the scoring in the first quarter through Muhammad Nor Daniel Md Nor Effendy.
Penang, however, fought back to equalise in the second quarter through Kryshant Jiwa Mohan, forcing the match into a penalty shoot-out.
Pahang eventually sealed the win by overcoming Penang 4-2 in the shoot-out.
The victory was particularly sweet for Tok Gajah head coach Mohd Sufian Mohamad, whose side was forced to settle for silver in 2024 after an agonising penalty shoot-out defeat to Perak.
He credited his players' mental resilience and ability to handle pressure in a fiercely contested match for the triumph.
"It was indeed intense. I expected today's match against Penang to provide tough opposition. Our players managed to handle the pressure, and alhamdulillah, we succeeded," he said when met after the match.
In the women's final at the MBPJ Stadium in Petaling Jaya, Pahang won their third consecutive SUKMA title by defeating Federal Territories 6-5 on penalties.
Pahang captain Zati Alyani Muhammad Zubir opened the scoring in the second quarter, but Puteri Nur Amalina Mohd Rashid equalised for Federal Territories to send the match to penalties after a 1-1 draw during regulation play.
Pahang women's head coach Mohamad Sabri Mohamad said the sacrifices, discipline, and determination since the start of preparations for the games paid off with a gold hat-trick.
"I believed we had enough experience taking shoot-outs. Our players and goalkeeper delivered an outstanding performance.
"The players' training and commitment were disciplined because they truly wanted to win gold. They started training early and refrained from going home. Their sacrifices brought Pahang the gold this time," he said.
-- BERNAMA