The victorious Sarawak team celebrating after the prize presentation, with team manager Ramachandran (at right). — Photo courtesy of Sarawak Kabaddi Association
KUCHING: Sarawak’s women’s team have done the state proud again when they made a successful defence of their title in the National Kabbadi Championship at Kapar Rakan Muda Complex in Klang last Sunday.
They topped the league competition with two points after drawing 22-22 with Selangor and beating Federal Territory 32-22
and were crowned champions again after pipping Selangor who also had two points but lost on points difference (54 points scored, 44 points conceded) when compared to Sarawak’s 65-49 tally.
Sarawak, coached by Manimaran Velu, were represented by Nurul Afiqah Yunus, Syazwani Aifin Samsudin, Anastasia Simba Richard, Natasha Nelson, Shereen Ubong Soloman Bala, Gwendolyn Sarun Frederick, Ermanita Darmanto, Effa Rin Abdullah, Hanisah Hassan and Yeo Hai Yong.
Sarawak Kabbadi Association president Ramachandran was very happy with the women, saying they had displayed true fighting grit and team spirit to win the title for a second consecutive year.
“It is a very good achievement for us, considering that there was no Indian player in our team while the other two teams have a majority,” said Ramachandran who was also team manager.
“I thank the players, coaches and advisor Jacob Sebastian.
“I also want to appeal to parents to let their children take up Kabbadi; this August we have teams going for the Merdeka Cup in KL. We need support from MSNS and others. Ler your kids take it up because it is our game,” he added.
The men’s team placed last in the four-team competition after losing all their matches, 27-38 to Selangor, 26-40 to Perak and 34-41 to Kedah.