The Collapsed Dominance Of Malaysia Forms A New History For Indonesia

Indonesian men's hockey team won a gold medal at the 2023 SEA Games. (Photo via Antara)

JAKARTA - The gold medal was won by the Hockey sport (sports) at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia. The victory of the Indonesian men's team in the final was achieved after winning 2-1 over Malaysia in the penalty round.

Before entering the decisive round, the Indonesian Hockey national team was 0-3 behind first. But the Red and White team's comeback managed to make them equalize to 3-3 until the match continued to the penalty round.

The victory of the Indonesian Hockey national team over Malaysia not only made the Red and White troops win gold medals, but also able to undermine Malaysia's dominance. So far, Malaysia has performed firmly as the King of the Indoor Hockey who subscribed to the SEA Games gold medal.

On the other hand, the gold medal brought home by the Hockey national team also made history for Indonesia in the biennial multi-event event. Because for the Indonesian men's and women's indoor hockey national team, this performance in Cambodia is the first time after last appearing at the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

At the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines, this sport was forced to miss due to dualism within the parent body of a hockey organization, namely the Indonesian Hockey Federation (FHI) and the All-Indonesian Hockey Association (PHSI).

Meanwhile, at the 2021 SEA Games which took place in Vietnam, last year the hockey branch was not contested. Having not competed for a long time at the biennial sporting event, the opportunity to appear at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia no doubt made Indonesia's representatives thirst for the title.

The seriousness and many lessons taken during difficult times were in fact able to make the Indonesian Hockey national team emerge with new breakthroughs. Their history has succeeded in creating and the success of tearing down Malaysia's dominance into payments that are very worthy of appreciation.

This was also conveyed by the Deputy Secretary General of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC), Wijaya Noeradi. He welcomed and appreciated the achievements of the Indonesian Hockey national team.

"Hockey achievements are extraordinary. We really appreciate the persistent athletes, officials and FHI," said Wijaya, who also appreciated the Ministry of Youth and Sports for agreeing to the departure of indoor hockey.

"I thank the athletes and coaches. The problem with the results is another matter, I believe you guys are giving the best for the country," Wijaya continued in a release received Tuesday, May 9.