Malaysia’s 20-year wait for a SEA Games men’s team badminton gold will continue after a 0-3 defeat to arch-rivals Indonesia in the 2025 final in Pathum Thani, Thailand.
The nation’s hopes took an early hit when Leong Jun Hao fell 12-21, 19-21 to Alwi Farhan in a 46-minute opener at Gymnasium 4, Thammasat University Rangsit Campus.
The setback worsened in the second match as 2022 world champions Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik were overwhelmed 12-21, 12-21 by world No. 8 duo Sabar Karyaman Gutama–Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani.
Aaron conceded that unforced errors proved costly, while Wooi Yik expressed disappointment at missing the chance to pull Malaysia level.
Indonesia sealed the gold through second singles shuttler Moh. Zaki Ubaidillah, who defeated Justin Hoh 21-12, 21-14 in 43 minutes to secure back-to-back team titles.
Justin admitted the pressure was heavy:
“His team was already 2-0 up. He was very confident and I felt a bit of pressure.”
Malaysia will now have to wait at least another edition to end their drought.
