Malaysia’s dream of ending a 20-year drought in the men’s badminton team event at the SEA Games was crushed once more as a ruthless Indonesia powered to a 3–0 victory in the final at Gymnasium 4, Thammasat University’s Rangsit Campus, Pathum Thani.
It was a night of frustration for the national contingent, who entered the Thailand 2025 SEA Games final with high hopes — only to see the title slip away yet again, just like in Phnom Penh two years ago.
The pressure was high from the very first serve, but Leong Jun Hao could not claim the opening point Malaysia desperately needed. Despite a late fightback, he fell 12-21, 19-21 to Indonesia’s rising star Alwi Faran in 46 minutes.
The defeat immediately placed Malaysia on the back foot, handing Indonesia the early advantage they exploited ruthlessly.
All eyes were on the 2022 world champions Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik, expected to swing momentum back to Malaysia’s side. But the Malaysian aces looked out of rhythm and uncharacteristically error-prone.
Indonesia’s world No. 8 pairing Sabar Karyaman Gutama–Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani were flawless, capitalising on Malaysia’s struggles to claim a straightforward 21-12, 21-12 win in just 34 minutes
With Indonesia needing just one more point, Moh Zaki Ubaidillah stepped onto court brimming with confidence. His aggressive tempo and precision were too much for Justin Hoh, who fought bravely but ultimately fell 12-21, 14-21 in 43 minutes
The result confirmed Indonesia’s second consecutive SEA Games men’s team gold, while Malaysia’s golden ambitions remain unfulfilled — a wait stretching all the way back to Manila 2005.
With the team event concluded, Malaysia now redirect their focus to individual events. Justin will open his singles campaign tomorrow against Singapore’s No. 3 shuttler Jason Teh, hoping to bounce back from today’s disappointment.
Today’s defeat mirrors the 1–3 loss to Indonesia in Phnom Penh 2023, reinforcing the arch-rivalry that continues to shape the region’s badminton narrative.
Malaysia will now look towards the singles and doubles events to spark a revival — but for the men’s team gold, the painful wait extends into a third decade.
Credit Photo : Awangku Afiq/TVS
