The Malaysian women's 3x3 basketball team has progressed to the quarter-finals at the Asian Games, following strong performances at the Kinjo Futo Station Square venue. The team secured victories over Macau with a score of 14-3 and Mongolia 17-11, finishing undefeated in Pool C and in second place behind the Philippines.
Despite the promising start, head coach Goran Vojkic has urged caution and realism about the team’s prospects moving forward. Having taken over the coaching role in June, Vojkic highlighted the challenges of building a cohesive system in a limited timeframe. He pointed out that the team's preparation was disrupted by a packed schedule, including last month’s Malaysia Games (Sukma), which restricted their training opportunities.
“To be honest, I was expecting to win these two games. The girls took the preparation seriously and proved themselves. However, the road ahead is where the true challenge begins,” Vojkic said, emphasizing that the team is still in the early stages of development.
Malaysia is set to face the Philippines, the leaders of Pool C who also maintained a perfect record with wins over Mongolia and Macau. Both teams have already secured spots in the knockout round, but the upcoming match will determine the final seeding. This encounter carries added significance as it serves as a rematch of the closely contested game at the 2025 Bangkok Southeast Asian Games, where Malaysia narrowly triumphed 21-19.
Vojkic acknowledged the intensity expected in the upcoming game, referencing conversations with the Philippine coach, who expressed a desire for revenge. “It will be a tough one for sure,” Vojkic said, anticipating a highly competitive match.
As the quarter-finals approach, Malaysia’s advancement marks progress, yet the coaching staff remains measured about expectations, focusing on continued growth and adaptation amidst a demanding tournament schedule.
