Ahmad Zahid, Ministers Congratulate Takraw Squad, Pearly-Thinaah On SEA Games Gold

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and several ministers have extended their congratulations to the national sepak takraw team and the women’s badminton doubles pair following their gold medal triumphs at the SEA Games 2025 in Thailand.

Ahmad Zahid described the national sepak takraw regu team’s victory over traditional rivals Thailand in the final as a historic moment that ended Malaysia’s 34-year gold medal drought in the event.

“I am certain that this success did not come easily. Congratulations to everyone, including those behind the scenes who made this meaningful achievement possible.

“Not forgetting our favourite Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah who managed to end a 10-year SEA Games gold medal drought in the women’s doubles event. Congratulations!,” he said in a Facebook post today.

He said the achievements clearly reflected the athletes’ strong fighting spirit, discipline and determination in bringing glory to Malaysia on the international stage.

“May this achievement serve as a source of motivation for more athletes to attain greater success in this Games, insya-Allah. To those who did not succeed today, it’s alright... keep working hard, we are confident the gold medal will be yours one day. Keep it up!,” he said.

Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh also extended her congratulations to the national takraw squad in a Facebook post, describing the gold medal win as even more meaningful as it came against Thailand on their home ground.

In a separate post, Hannah also congratulated Pearly-Thinaah for delivering a gold medal for Malaysia in their maiden appearance at the SEA Games.

“Thank you for the gold, ten years of waiting and finally the long-awaited moment has arrived. This is not just a victory but a gift for the support, hopes and prayers of Malaysian badminton fans who have long awaited success in the women’s doubles at the SEA Games,” she said.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir also congratulated the national takraw team.

Also joining in the jubilant mood was Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, who expressed his pride in the achievements of the national women’s doubles pair and the sepak takraw team for bringing honour to the country at the 33rd edition of the SEA Games.

National women’s doubles top pair Pearly-Thinaah clinched gold after defeating Indonesia’s Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma–Meilysa Trias Puspitasari 21-16, 19-21, 21-17 in a match that lasted 86 minutes.

The national sepak takraw squad, meanwhile, ended Malaysia’s 34-year title drought in the men’s regu team event after defeating Thailand 2-1 in the final at the Nakhon Pathom Gymnasium today.

The SEA Games 2025 are being held from Dec 9 to 20 in Bangkok and Chonburi.

-- BERNAMA