UMPSA hosts 6th East Coast Handball Championship & International Invitation (6UECC)

GAMBANG, 7 November 2024 – A total of 28 men's teams and 12 women's teams from across Malaysia and Southeast Asia participated in the 6th UMPSA East Coast Handball Championship & International Invitation (6UECC). The event was organised by the Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) Handball Club in collaboration with the UMPSA Sports Centre, UMPSA A.D.A.B Academy, and the Malaysian Handball Federation (MAHF). 

The tournament took place at the University Sports Complex, UMPSA Gambang Campus.

The three-day annual tournament is eagerly anticipated by handball enthusiasts and is officially recognised by the Malaysian Handball Federation (MAHF).

According to the Director of the 6th UECC & International Invitation Championship, Auni Nadzirah Abdul Rasid, the tournament featured teams from local universities, professional clubs, and neighbouring countries. 

Participants included Universitas Negeri Jakarta and Universitas Negeri Surabaya from Indonesia, as well as a team from Singapore.

“Each category showcased intense action between university students and professional players from Southeast Asia,” she said.

She added that the tournament not only succeeded in promoting handball among the younger generation but also reinforced UMPSA’s position as a centre for sports excellence in Malaysia.

“It is hoped that this tournament will continue to grow in the future and serve as a platform for new talents to shine on the international stage,” she noted.

She further highlighted that the programme supports Inbound Mobility and aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

“With the involvement of international teams, this tournament also helps to build a global network of cooperation and strengthen community relations,” she added.

In the men’s category, Universitas Negeri Jakarta emerged as champions, while UiTM Lions secured the runner-up position. Rhapsody HC claimed third place, and Universitas Negeri Surabaya finished in fourth.

For the women’s category, the team from Singapore successfully defended their championship title. Terengganu finished as runners-up, while PGHC and UiTM Lions secured third and fourth places, respectively.

The prize-giving ceremony was officiated by the Member of Parliament for Paya Besar, Yang Berhormat Dato' Indera Mohd Shahar Abdullah. Notable attendees included Mohd Aznorizamin Haji Ismail, Director of the UMPSA Sports and Cultural Centre; Fadli Sidek, official representative of the Malaysian Handball Federation; Mohd Norsyafiq Abdul Hamid, Operations Manager of MMC Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd.; and Auni Nadzirah Abdul Rasid, Director of the 6th UECC & International Invitation Championship.

By: Wan Nur Iwani Awatif Wan Ahmad Yani, Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)