THIRTEEN years of waiting finally came to an end as M.R. Rinnisha struck gold for Penang in the women’s Thanithiramai individual stick event (Silambam) at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2026 in Selangor earlier today.
The 20-year-old produced a score of 8.7 in the final to finish joint-first with Perak’s B. Laashmita, who also recorded 8.7.
Following a protest by the Perak side, the jury ultimately decided to award both athletes gold medals, giving Rinnisha a historic victory in what was her final SUKMA appearance.
For Rinnisha, the triumph was far more than just another medal.
It was the culmination of years of perseverance, sacrifices and belief from those around her, and a moment that ended Penang’s 13-year wait for an individual Silambam gold at SUKMA.
“This is my last SUKMA. In this SUKMA, I participated in the individual female solo routine, Thanithiramai.
“Back in 2022, when I competed in the same individual event, I won a bronze medal. Since this is my last SUKMA, through that same hard work, I have managed to win the gold medal,” said an emotional Rinnisha.
The journey to the top was not without its challenges.
A college student at Central Digital College Kuala Lumpur, Rinnisha had to juggle her studies with the demands of training in Penang, travelling back and forth every week to maintain her preparations.
“Balancing studies and travelling back and forth was very challenging but God has blessed me with a great reward for all of that,” she said.
The significance of the medal was also amplified by the expectations placed upon her by her coaches, master and the Penang Silambam fraternity.
“This medal is very touching to me. Because everyone, my coach, my master, trusted me, sent me here with high hopes, and wished for me to win a gold medal for the state of Penang. Winning it gives me immense pride,” she said.
Rinnisha also dedicated the victory to the people who supported her throughout her journey, expressing heartfelt appreciation to her Master Raveendran, the Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP), Mr Kunaselan, coach R. Prakash, her parents, elder brother and the Penang Silambam Association.
“If not for any of them, I would not be standing here today. They supported my training, gave me encouragement, and brought me this far,” she said.
For coach Prakash, the gold was the reward for a commitment that had been evident long before Rinisha stepped onto the competition floor.
“Rinnisha, the athlete, is a gold medalist. She fully deserves this. As a coach, I am really proud of her. She did very well.
“Her attendance and commitment levels were very high when compared to other students.
“Even though her studies are out of station but she travels here every week for training. So, she truly deserves this gold medal,” he said.
The coach revealed that the gold-medal objective had been carefully mapped out over the past year and a half.
“This goal setting took about 1.5 years. It was her dream. That dream has been achieved today,” said Prakash.
The victory also carried historical significance for the Penang team, with Prakash highlighting that the state’s last individual Silambam gold at SUKMA came in 2013.
“Penang’s last individual gold was 13 years ago. So I’m really proud of her,” he said.
Team manager S. Kunaselan, 39, of the Penang Silambam Association, described Rinnisha’s victory as the perfect start for the state’s campaign.
“Today we already started with the first medal for Penang, a gold medal. Thanks to the MSNPL team as well for their support. At the same time, the Penang team is doing a good programme, and the coach is doing a fantastic job for the athletes. Master Raveendran gave his blessings as well.
“We are so happy! The first day starting with a gold medal is a good vibe,” he said.
Kunaselan said the team had believed Rinnisha was capable of challenging for gold, despite facing a formidable opponent from Perak who had dominated the event in previous editions.
“We actually predicted that she would get this medal. But her opponent, a good fighter from Perak, was actually the gold medallist for the past three years. But she fought hard,” he said.
More importantly, he confirmed the historic nature of Rinnisha’ achievement.
“This is the first time in Thanithiramai (solo category) that we got a gold medal for Penang,” Kunaselan said.
For Rinnisha, however, the record books were perhaps secondary to the people who had walked the journey with her.
After 13 years of waiting, Penang’s Silambam team can finally celebrate another SUKMA individual gold, and fittingly, it came from an athlete determined to make her final Games appearance count.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan