Stiff competition for 52 teams vying to be the best in the game of handball organised by UMP

By: SITI NURFARMY IBRAHIM, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION
Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) organised its Fourth UMP Handball East Coast Championship that reflected its forte in coordinating the tournament held since 2016.
This year’s game was organised by UMP Handball Club and UMP Sports Centre with the support of Department of Student Affairs and Alumni (JHEPA). It was held on April 14, 2019.
A total of 52 teams throughout Malaysia comprising 32 men’s team and 20 women’s team participated in the tournament which was indorsed by the Malaysia Handball Federation with referees from IHF and MAHF invited.
It was officially opened by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin.
Also present were Aznorizamin Ismail who is carrying out the duties of the Sports and Cultural Centre Director, Azizuddin Osman who represented referees from Malaysia Handball Federation, UMP Handball Advisor, Nur Adam Maximillian and Tournament Director, Mumtazah Annura Hassan. 
Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie also watched the opening match between the host team, UMP (Elgineers) playing against Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP).
Mumtazah said this time around, the tournament received recognition from the MAHF as it met various standards required such as the courts and referees.
“It is also seen as a platform that is moving towards being a high-impact tournament especially in the east coast. It provides the exposure and experience for players while preparing for the Malaysia University Sport Council Championship (MASUM) or the Institutes of Higher Learning Sports Championship (SUKIPT),” said Mumtazah.
Jerantut Handball team manager and national handball coach Shamshul Nizam Mohd Ali said this year’s tournament seemed more prestigious and fit to be given five stars as the host was able to provide suitable location, capable technical crew and referees.
JJ Boys Professional Club emerged as the champion for the men’s category, after defeating the Harun Boys Club with the third place, Jerantut Handball team.
The women’s category was won by Perak Handball team who was the SUKMA 2018 champion. They beat the Selangor (RGHC) team while third place went to Turtle Fighters (Terengganu).
The tournament’s top scorer was Muhammad Fazrin Jamaluddin from the JJ Boys team with 46 while the women’s top scorer was Nur Amira Wahida Wahid from UMP (Elgineers) with 28.
Winners took home medals and cash money with the prizes presented by Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie.