THE much-anticipated 24th World Chinese Evergreen Cup football tournament got underway today with great enthusiasm as 34 teams from seven countries began to vie for honours in five age group categories at the Penang Sports Club.
The opening ceremony was a modest affair, but it carried significant weight with the presence of Penang governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak.
Ahmad Fuzi, along with several distinguished guests, took part in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony, and was then invited to kick a football to mark the start of the six-day competition, which is set to conclude on Sept 15.
Organising chairman Teoh Choon Kheng and World Chinese Football Association chairman Angel Ngu introduced Ahmad Fuzi to the participating team managers and captains, emphasising the importance of the event.
Among the notable attendees were Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, the state exco for Youth, Sports and Health, Datuk A. Rajendran, the Penang Island City Council mayor, Datuk Soh Chin Aun, ambassador of Evergreen Cup, Lee Soon Huat, patron of Ex-State & Ex-National Footballers’ Association Malaysia, Lee Teong Li, the advisor of Evergreen Cup, and Penang State Sports Council director Harry Chai.
Speaking on behalf of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Gooi extended a warm welcome to all the participants from China, Spain, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, and Malaysia.
He underscored the state government’s strong support for the tournament, highlighting football’s unique ability to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds, including various races, religions, age groups and genders.
“We look forward to exciting performances and some amazing football skills from the veteran players. We also hope that the participants will take the opportunity to explore the beautiful state of Penang and enjoy its cuisine, particularly the street food,” Gooi said.
Teoh thanked the state government, main sponsor uFootball and other supporters, and the participating teams for making the tournament a reality.
“Football goes beyond fostering teamwork but also promotes friendship.
“We pursue friendship more than the results of the game. The seeds of friendship were sown over the decades and today, the friendship has flourished with friends coming from far and near.
“This reunion holds great significance while new friendships are formed.
“I urge all participants to take the time during their stay in Penang to explore its rich cultural heritage of Penang, as well as the scenic beauty of the city and the picturesque beaches. I hope everyone can return with a full experience and beautiful memories!” Teoh said.
In a heartwarming moment, Datuk Shukor Salleh, a national football star in the 70s and 80s, made a surprise appearance, arriving in a wheelchair with the assistance of a friend, Abdul Rahim Salleh.
Shukor, 75, who has been dealing with a hip problem, received warm greetings from Chin Aun. It was also a delight to see the smiles on Shukor’s face when former national goalkeeper Lim Fung Kee approached him. Fung Kee, who represented Malaysia in the 1972 Munich Olympics, went to Hong Kong to play professional football for Seiko for 18 years.
Among other football figures who shared joyful moments with Shukor were former Penang Football Association secretary Datuk Mohamed Junid, former national player C. Nadarajah, former state players Johari Salleh and Lim Bok Khoon, the tournament coordinator.
The tournament, which is organised by the Penang Chinese Football Association (PCFA), consists of five age group categories: 45+, 50+, 55+, 60+ and 65+.
The teams:
Group 45+: New Zealand A, New Zealand B, Xiamen Ying Hua, Australia (ACSA), Penang (PCFA), Singapore Xin Hua, Singapore Chong Hua, Johor (JBCFA).
Group 50+: Shanghai Dong Hua, Malaysia HRA, Jiangxi Rainbow, Fuzhou, Johor (JBCFA), Penang (PCFA).
Group 55+: Australia (ACSA) A, Singapore Xin Hua, Tianjin Yuan Lao, Spain, Penang (PCFA), Australia (ACSA) B.
Group 60+: Xiamen Yin Hua, Qingdao, Shanghai Dong Hua, Australia (ACSA) A, Australia (ACSA) B, Jiangxi Rainbow, Penang (PCFA).
Group 65+: Penang (PCFA), Australia (ACSA), Taiwan Kaohsiung, Philippines Taipei, Shanghai Dong Hua, WCFA.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
