27 teams battling for hockey titles

KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu District Hockey Association (KKDHA) will organise a 9-a-side tournament at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex in Likas near here from September 8-9.

Its president Dedi Saputra Mohammad Rasyid said 27 teams would battle for top honours where 22 of the teams would compete in the men’s category and another five for the women’s competiton.

“We are very happy to note that the tournament has received overwhelming response.

“The initial target was to get 20 men’s team but we have decided to increase the number of the teams,” he said here yesterday.

Acording to him, the men’s competition will start with the group league matches while the women’s contest will be played on a round robin format.

“The men’s teams will be divided into four groups and the two top teams will advance into the quarterfinals.

“As for the women’s category, the teams with the most points will take home the title,” he said.

The men’s Group A comprise SSMS B, X Likas, FAFA Team, Kelab Hoki Labuan X#HQHC LD; Group B Sabah Cops Hockey Club, Politeknik, Sepanggar Hockey Club, Elevent Worrior A, Persatuan Hoki Daerah Kudat B, PERHUIS A; Group C Persatuan Hoki Daerah Kudat A, SSMS A, PERHUIS B, SPKB, Ex-Sabah College; and Group D Tamparuli Raptor, Petagas Hockey Club, SMK Likas Lohan, IPG Gaya and Elevent Worrior B.

SSMS A, SSMS B, Golupo Tamparuli, Tuaran Ladies Hockey and PERHUIS will contest for the women’s title.

Prizes including cash, trophies and medals await the three top teams in each category, added Dedi.