{
  "id": 2773059,
  "title": "Kedah end 20-year Sukma wait with rugby gold",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/kedah-end-20-year-sukma-wait-with-rugby-gold",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-23T11:05:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2026/08/1517252/kedah-end-20-year-sukma-wait-rugby-gold"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kedah ended a 20-year wait for the men's rugby sevens gold after defeating Perak 14-12 in a thrilling final match. This marked Kedah's first appearance in the final since 2006, when they reached the gold medal game but lost to Selangor. Prior to the final, Kedah had outlasted Johor 28-24 in the semi-finals. The four medal matches were held at Padang Sultan Suleiman. After being tied at 7-7 at halftime, Kedah broke the deadlock with a try and conversion to lead 14-7 after the first half. Perak responded with a second-half try, narrowing the gap to two points. However, Kedah's defense held strong in the closing stages, securing the gold for the northern team. The victory claimed the men's title for Kedah, with Perak taking silver and Johor bronze after beating the Federal Territories 10-0. In the women's final, Selangor showcased dominant form, sweeping past Sarawak 41-0. The hosts scored four tries before halftime and added another 19 points after the break to clinch the match. Sabah secured the women's bronze after defeating Terengganu 19-5. Sabah took a 7-0 lead at halftime and added 12 points in the second half, while Terengganu managed a consolation try.",
  "summary": "KLANG: Kedah ended a 20-year wait for the men's rugby sevens gold after edging Perak 14-12 in a thrilling final, while hosts Selangor produced a dominant display to clinch the women's title at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) on Sunday.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Terengganu women break national team pursuit record twice to win Sukma gold",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/terengganu-women-break-national-team-pursuit-record-twice-to-win",
        "published": "2026-08-23T01:50:37.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}