KUCHING: Perak's men's hockey squad ended a decade-long wait for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) gold after defeating defending champions Pahang 3-2 in a nail-biting penalty shootout in the final of the 2024 SUKMA here today.
In the action at the Sarawak State Hockey Stadium here, Perak, coached by Nizam Hashimm even came from behind twice, scoring a last-minute equaliser to tie the game 3-3 to force the match into a penalty shootout.
Perak goalkeeper, Rafaizul Saini, emerged as the hero in the tensed shootout, denying three Pahang attempts to secure victory for his team.
Speaking after the match, Nizam praised his team's fighting spirit, especially their resilience in overcoming two deficits to clinch the win.
"From the start of the competition, I had stressed to my players that they are capable players and must have self-belief, which was witnessed in the semi-final and final. They gave their all until the last minute, but maintained discipline and got the crucial equaliser.
"I also stressed to the players that this victory is crucial for the development of hockey in Perak," he added.
Rafaizul, a member of the national youth squad, said every player showed the character demanded by their coach throughout the match.
"Very grateful for this victory… every player followed the game plan from the first quarter to the final whistle, and we managed to secure a 3-3 draw. During the penalty shootout, fortune smiled on Perak.
"In those tense moments, I just focused on what was in front of me and went for it. I'm a fighter," said Rafaizul, who marked his debut and farewell Sukma appearance with this win.
In the match, Pahang drew first blood in just the second minute through a penalty corner from Handzalah Abdul Hadi.
Perak responded swiftly, taking a 2-1 lead with a field goal by Nur Iszlanshah Mohd Isa in the 15th minute and a penalty corner conversion by Zulhanif Sahran four minutes later.
Pahang clawed back, tying the game with a field goal by Harris Iskandar Osman in the 28th minute before regaining the lead through Arif Haikal Ross Iskandar's field goal in the 33rd minute.
However, Perak's relentless pursuit paid off in the dying moments, as Danish Aiman Khairil Anuar calmly converted a penalty corner to level the score at 3-3, pushing the game into a shootout.
The bronze medal in the men's event went to the Federal Territories (FT), who edged Terengganu 3-2 yesterday.
Earlier, Pahang retained the women's gold after defeating the FT 5-3 in a penalty shootout following a 3-3 draw in regulation time.
The Terengganu women's hockey team secured bronze by overcoming Penang 2-1 yesterday.--BERNAMA