THE 24th World Chinese Evergreen Cup is set to happen in Malaysia again, and this time, it will be held in Penang after being held in Johor in 2012.
It will take place from Sept 10 to 15 at three different venues, namely City Stadium, Polo Ground (Padang Polo) and Penang Sports Club.
A total of 34 teams will be playing in the tournament, and they are from Australia, China, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the Philippines, Spain, Taiwan, and Malaysia.
The tournament, which is organised by Penang Chinese Football Association (PCFA), consists of five categories: 45 years old and above, 50 years old and above, 55 years old and above, 60 years old and above, and 65 years old and above.
Caretaker state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said that by having different age categories, it can help to create a competitive environment.
“This tournament serves as a platform for friendly competition and an opportunity for participants to forge new friendships while strengthening existing ones.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the organiser who has made this tournament possible.
“Your efforts and dedication have played an integral part role in bringing the World Chinese Evergreen Cup tournament to Penang,” Soon said during a press conference held at Flamingo Hotel recently.
Soon also shared that on top of the RM50,000 allocation by the state government, he will also contribute another RM20,000 to assist the tournament.
He also hoped that the football associations in Penang would work together to produce and nurture local football talents.
Meanwhile, organising chairman Teoh Choon Kheng thanked the state government and the main sponsor uFootball for supporting the tournament.
Also present were legendary football player Datuk Soh Chin Aun, PCFA president Tai Lee Leong, World Chinese Football Association (WCFA) secretary Lawrence Teng, Penang State Sports Council director Harry Chai and other dignitaries.
The 24th World Chinese Evergreen Cup was originally scheduled to take place in 2020 but was postponed due the Covid-19 situation.
Story & Pix by Tanushalini Moroter