Malaysian Rugby aims to reclaim the men’s sevens gold medal at the Thailand SEA Games, with the women’s team targeting bronze amid tough regional competition.
MALAYSIAN Rugby (MR) is targeting a gold medal in the men’s sevens event at the ongoing Thailand SEA Games.
President Amir Amri said the target was set after assessing the national squad’s preparations and high commitment.
“After we held a bonding meeting at Tasik Kenyir recently with the men’s team, we really see the players’ determination and commitment are very different from before,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the players’ enthusiasm would lead to a surprise result in Bangkok.
For the women’s team, he hopes coach Mohamad Faiz Samsukhidir’s squad can achieve a bronze medal.
He acknowledged the women’s team faces stiff opposition from Thailand, who are already of Asian standard.
The Philippine and Singaporean women’s teams have also made good preparations for the Games.
Amir promised to reward both the men’s and women’s sevens teams if they win gold.
He said the players’ sacrifices over nearly two years of preparation should be appreciated.
“I don’t want to announce the amount yet but it will be huge for both teams if they win gold,” he said.
Malaysia last won gold in the men’s sevens rugby event at the 2017 SEA Games.
The tournaments will be contested in a round-robin league format.
The men’s team opens its campaign against Singapore and the Philippines on Dec 13 before facing Laos on Dec 14.
The women’s squad is scheduled to meet Singapore and the Philippines on Dec 13, followed by matches against Indonesia and Thailand on Dec 14.
