By: Nurul Ezzaty Mohd Azhari
Photo: Saleha Harun
SERDANG, June 16 - Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) will host the 44th Malaysian Inter-University Staff Sports Championship (SUKUM) this year, starting from September 17 to 24.
UPM Sports Academy Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tajularipin Sulaiman, said a total of 18 sports events would be competed, such as football, archery, athletics, netball and chess.
“Until now, the response to the team's participation in each event is very encouraging. This unexpected participation may be due to the fact that we did not do the SUKUM tournament for almost three years because of COVID-19.
"We are now in the endemic phase, which gives us some flexibility to return to active sports and participate in the SUKUM tournament," he said in his speech at the SUKUM Official Voting Council recently.
He said UPM is in the process of working on the preparation of the 44th SUKUM in addition to the technical committee and the game coordinator also made visits to all tournament locations last month.
He added that the feedback from all was positive, and the location chosen met the specifications that had been set.
"I also hope that other university partners will keep the SOP set to launch the tournament, and anyone involved in this tournament will fight for the spirit of sportsmanship and the spirit of brotherhood between us," he said.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tajularipin said the slogan of the SUKUM tournament this time was ‘Bersaing Mengecap Kemanisan Kemenangan’ (Compete to Taste the Sweetness of Victory) and chose the bee as the 44th SUKUM mascot. - UPM
