UTAR x JNT PIALA IPT OPEN 2023 7S Football Championship

As the pulsating energy of anticipation filled the air, teams from various institutions converged to showcase their skills, agility, and teamwork at the UTAR x JNT PIALA IPT OPEN 2023 7S Football Championship. Organised by UTAR Department of Student Affairs of Sungai Long Campus (DSA-SL) and J&T Express Malaysia, the two-day event took place from 9 to 10 December 2023 at Joga Bonito Arena (Dos Santos Field).

The event kick-started with an opening ceremony, officiated by J&T Express Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Assistant Mr Vincent Low. He was joined by J&T Express Malaysia Public Affairs Manager Mr Jacky Hu, DSA-SL Senior Assistant Manager Mr Ganavenoth Karunakaran and Referee Head Mr Loo Wai Keong.

Mr Vincent Low delivering his speech

Mr Vincent Low said, “We believe sports serve as a bridge that connects people. We aim not only for victory but to also promote friendship and teamwork. Winning is not the sole objective, we also emphasise the participation process and focus on the principle of friendship. We encourage every participant to unleash their potential and showcase the power of teamwork. Best of luck to all the participating teams.”

Mr Vincent Low (in red shirt) presenting tokens of appreciation to Mr Loo (left picture) and Mr Ganavenoth (right picture)

Mr Ganavenoth (right) presenting a token of appreciation to Mr Vincent Low

Mr Vincent Low officiating the event with a penalty kick

The strong teamwork of the organising committee, led by Mr Ganavenoth along with DSA-SL Assistant Managers Mr Mohd Alfiha bin Mat Tarihan, Ms Norhidayah binti Hamsah and Ms Nuraini binti Ibrahim, resulted in the successful recruitment of 12 participating teams from various institutes.

Participating teams:

1. UTAR - Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman

2. UNIKL BMI - Universiti Kuala Lumpur British Malaysian Institute

3. CITY UNI - City University

4. UNITEN KSHAS - UNITEN Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Campus

5. NUFC - University of Nottingham Malaysia

6. UTP - Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS

7. KIAS FC - Kolej Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Ismail Petra

8. TARUMT PENANG - Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology

9. TARUMT KL - Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology

10. UTM-KL - Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Kuala Lumpur

11. ADMAL AVIATION COLLEGE

12. MONASH UNIVERSITY - Monash University Malaysia

Cheerleading performance by UTAR Dance Club

Participants playing enthusiastically

The winners and the prizes they won are listed below:

Champion à UTP - RM3,500 + Trophy + Medals + Certificate + Ball and Jersey signed by Lionel Messi

First Runner Up à CITY UNI - RM2,500 + Medals + Certificate

Second Runner Up à KIAS FC - RM1,500 + Medals + Certificate

J&T Public Affairs Manager Mr Jacky Hu presenting prizes to UTP

DSA-SL Head Ms Loh Nyuk Leung presenting prizes to CITY UNI

Head of Department of Chancellery Mr Lim Swea Jen presenting prizes to KIAS FC