SELANGOR – Sarawak’s women’s indoor volleyball team moved into the final of the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) XXII Selangor 2026 after defeating the Federal Territories 3-0 in the semi-final on Friday.
The Sarawak side secured the straight-set victory at the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) Section 4 Volleyball Hall, winning 25-21, 25-23 and 25-17.
The result keeps Sarawak’s hopes of retaining the women’s indoor volleyball gold medal alive after the team won the event at SUKMA XXI in Sarawak in 2024.
Sarawak made a positive start in the semi-final, taking control of the opening set and closing it out 25-21.
Federal Territories responded with a stronger challenge in the second set, keeping the contest close and putting pressure on the Sarawak players during the key stages.
Sarawak, however, maintained its composure when the score tightened and eventually edged the second set 25-23 to move within one set of victory.
The third set proved more comfortable for Sarawak as the team established greater control and finished 25-17, completing the 3-0 win and securing its place in the gold-medal match.
The performance continues Sarawak’s strong campaign in the women’s indoor volleyball competition. The squad had also gone through the pool stage without dropping a set, according to a report on the semi-final victory.
Sarawak will now have one final match to complete its bid for back-to-back SUKMA titles in the event.
The outcome of the final will determine whether the Bumi Kenyalang squad can retain the gold medal won on home ground two years ago. The team will need to overcome its final opponent to keep the title in Sarawak’s hands.
The semi-final victory was watched by several senior Sarawak representatives, including Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Chef de Mission Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu and Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol.
Their presence provided support for the players as the squad continued its campaign at the Selangor Games.
Sarawak’s progress in volleyball is part of a wider campaign by the state’s athletes at SUKMA XXII, with the contingent competing across a range of sports during the Games.
The women’s volleyball team will now turn its attention to the final, where the stakes will be higher and the opportunity to retain the title will be decided.
A successful defence would give Sarawak another SUKMA gold in a discipline it won at the previous edition. For now, the team has secured its place in the final after a disciplined performance against Federal Territories.
The 3-0 result also means Sarawak avoided the need for a deciding fourth or fifth set, allowing the team to complete the semi-final in straight sets.
With the semi-final hurdle cleared, attention now shifts to the final and Sarawak’s attempt to finish its campaign with another women’s indoor volleyball gold medal.
