Caption: The national junior team emerged victorious at the Asian School Rugby Sevens in Hong Kong today (Aug 10).–PIC COURTESY OF MALAYSIA RUGBY
KUALA LUMPUR: The national junior squad held their nerve to edge Singapore 31-26 in the final and emerge champions of the Asian School Rugby Sevens in Hong Kong today (Aug 10).
Both sides were tied at the end of regulation time which forced extra time at the King’s Park Sports Ground. Anas Nizam emerged the hero, scoring the golden try to secure Malaysia’s maiden title in the competition.
Malaysia had beaten Thailand 24-5 in the semi-finals and had earlier downed Kazakhstan (40-5) and China (29-15) to top group B.
Head coach Nazeer Nesharah said it was a proud moment for the team.
“The players worked together really well and gave it their all. I am really pleased with how they performed,” said Nazeer.
“I believe these players can go far if we continue to guide them and give them the preparation they need to be competitive against even stronger teams.”
Nazeer, who had the support of Syahir Asyraf Rosli, had called up players from Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School and Malaysia Pahang Sports School for the tournament.
The competition is in its fourth edition this year. It is usually held once every three years though was paused after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Malaysia’s previous best achievement in the tournament was finishing runners-up to Hong Kong during the 2019 edition held in Johor.
Meanwhile, Malaysia finished third in the Asia Rugby Under-20 Championships in Bihar, India today after beating China 19-7 in the third-place playoff.
The squad had earlier lost 33-5 to favourites Hong Kong in the semi-finals.
Malaysia had earlier beaten China (28-17) and Uzbekistan (17-0) but drew with Kazakhstan (17-17) during the group stage.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
