Geetha defends 800m gold at SUKMA 2026 after overcoming severe injury

Johor's S. Geetha concluded her final appearance at the SUKMA 2026 games with a triumphant defense of her women's 800-meter gold medal at the Universiti Putra Malaysia Stadium. The 21-year-old runner demonstrated remarkable resilience, returning to peak form after a challenging period battling a severe left calf muscle tear.

As the favorite, Geetha lived up to expectations, finishing first with a time of 2 minutes 17.69 seconds. She was followed by Sabah's Nur Syifa Raisha Adnan Firdaus in second place (2:19.46s) and Rosnani Mahamad securing the bronze (2:19.61s).

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It was so bad I couldn't walk, but when I ran today, it didn't affect me much. I got this injury while doing long-distance running.

This victory held special significance for Geetha, who had endured a six-centimeter tear in her left calf muscle, requiring extensive physiotherapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment. "It was so bad I couldn't walk, but when I ran today, it didn't affect me much. I got this injury while doing long-distance running," she told reporters.

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The team placed their hopes on me, and I also aimed for the gold medal in this event. I am very happy because last year I went through the most difficult phase of my life, which was the injury phase.

Reflecting on her win, Geetha attributed her success to hard work and dedication to regaining her best form post-injury. "The team placed their hopes on me, and I also aimed for the gold medal in this event. I am very happy because last year I went through the most difficult phase of my life, which was the injury phase."

Geetha described the mental and physical suffering she endured, calling the victory a reward for her consistent training and a blessing from God. She also secured a silver medal in the women's 1,500m event earlier in the week. Looking ahead, Geetha aims to represent Malaysia at the 2027 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, having made her debut in the 1,500m at the 2023 edition.

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From the mental and physical aspects, I suffered a lot. I feel this is a reward for my consistent training and also a blessing from God.