VETERANS from 40 teams, including from South Africa and Australia, were praised for taking part in the 21st Penang Sports Club-Ideal International Soccer 7’s 2020 this weekend.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said the players provided a good example for the young generation by being involved in the game and still playing hard.
“As sportsmen, they show a strong spirit and good discipline. From the old days until today, they have been playing hard,” Soon said in his welcoming speech.
“Sports is a common ground for all to share and celebrate, putting aside any disputes or differences. They can enjoy soccer and also lead a healthy lifestyle.”
Soon also gave an assurance that the state would continue to support the event next year.
He added that a football clinic would be held in April for children to be exposed to the game and develop their skills.
The clinic, he said, is part of the ‘Sports For All’ programme initiated by the state government since last year.
Penang governor Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas, who graced the event, later released a bunch of balloons to mark the start of the competition. He was also invited to give away souvenirs to the participating teams.
Organising chairman Tan Nian Yao, in his earlier speech, thanked Abdul Rahman for attending their events for the last two decades, Soon for his support and the state Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee (PETACH) for including the event in its tourism calendar.
A special mention from him went to Datuk Dr S. Shankar, the founding member of the tournament that began with 12 teams but has now grown to over 40 teams.
It would have been a record 50 over teams if not for the Covid-19 concerns, causing some foreign teams to pull out of the tournament.
Tan also thanked Ideal United Bintang Berhad, which was represented by its independent non-executive director Shahfie Ahmad, for being the title sponsor for the fourth year.
He also commended Weston Corporation director Toni Singh from Singapore for sponsoring equipment for the last 10 years, PSC president Tye Weng Lok, tournament director Datuk Mohd Junid Mohd Noor, technical director C. Nadarajan, secretary S. Pathumanathan and his other committee members as well as the groundsmen for their invaluable help.
Weston Corporation also presented some gifts to SRJK Tamil Rajaji, Sekolah Rendah Rohinya and Home of Hope Penang.
The tournament attracted two new teams – the Penampang Old Boys from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, and Highland Parks from South Africa.
There were also many former state and national players, the most famous of them being former national skipper Datuk Soh Chin Aun.
At 70, Chin Aun, who still maintains a good physique, features for the Black Eagles.
Another notable player is national coach Tan Cheng Hoe, who plays under the Penang Chinese banner. The team includes former national forward Moey Kok Hong, who now plays goalkeeper, and also former state player Seah Chee Guan.
Host Penang Sports Club, too, tried to put up a formidable team with former national player R. Suresh Kumar as its team manager.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Wo Yee Qi