Deputy PM and ministers congratulate national sepak takraw team for ending a 34-year gold drought and Pearly-Thinaah for their badminton victory
DEPUTY Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and several ministers have congratulated Malaysia’s national sepak takraw team and women’s badminton doubles pair on their gold medal triumphs at the SEA Games 2025 in Thailand.
Ahmad Zahid described the takraw team’s victory over traditional rivals Thailand in the final as a historic moment, ending a 34-year gold medal drought in the event.
“I am certain that this success did not come easily,” he said in a Facebook post.
He also congratulated the women’s badminton doubles pair of Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah for ending a 10-year gold medal drought in their event.
The achievements reflected the athletes’ strong fighting spirit, discipline and determination, he added.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh also extended her congratulations to the national takraw squad, describing the gold as even more meaningful as it came against Thailand on their home ground.
In a separate post, she thanked Pearly-Thinaah for delivering a gold medal in their maiden SEA Games appearance.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar also congratulated the athletes.
Pearly-Thinaah clinched gold after defeating Indonesia’s Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma and Meilysa Trias Puspitasari 21-16, 19-21, 21-17 in an 86-minute match.
The national sepak takraw squad ended Malaysia’s title drought by defeating Thailand 2-1 in the final at the Nakhon Pathom Gymnasium.
The SEA Games 2025 are being held from 9 to 20 December in Bangkok and Chonburi. – Bernama
