KUALA LUMPUR – After a seven-year hiatus, the national women’s rugby squad returns to action at the Southeast Asia (SEA) 7s Championship – set to kick off on May 2 in Singapore, fuelled by a dual-purpose mission.
Malaysia’s ambitions extend beyond mere qualification for the final but also to leverage their performance in Singapore next month as a litmus test for rugby’s inclusion in the prestigious Podium Programme overseen by the National Sports Council (NSC).
Head coach of the national women’s rugby 7s squad Faiz Shamsukhidir acknowledges the challenging task ahead, given that his team has only about two weeks to prepare for the tournament.
However, he and all 13 players are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure rugby remains part of the national sports programme.
“Based on the current rankings, we are behind Thailand and the Philippines.
“However, considering our performance last year in the Seven Series Championship, we are behind Thailand. So, we hope to do our best to advance to the final.
“Initially, NSC and the Malaysian Rugby Union set a target for my team to achieve third place only.
“But I asked them, what will our team get in return if we make it to the final?
“They said if we can do it, our chances of being included in the Podium Programme would be brighter. Plus, it is also part of 2025 Thailand SEA Games’ preparation.
“I know it’s tough, but it’s not impossible because this team has high potential,” Faiz told Scoop.
A total of 11 players reported for the first day of national squad training at Padang Astaka, Petaling Jaya, while two more players joined the team the day after.
The last time the national women’s squad participated was during the 2017 edition in Singapore, where Malaysia finished in fourth place overall.
This year, six confirmed countries will vie for glory, featuring defending champions Thailand, stalwarts the Philippines, Indonesia, and Laos, alongside hosts Singapore and Malaysia. – April 17, 2024