31 teams to take part in nine-a-side Open hockey tournament
KOTA KINABALU: Thirtyone teams are to take part in the Tuan Haji Azhar bin Datuk Matussin Cup nine-a-side Open hockey tournament at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex in Likas near here from March 1617.
Kota Kinabalu Hockey Association (KKHA) president Dedi Saputra Mohd Rasyid said 20 teams would compete in men’s category while another 11 would vie for the women’s crown.
“We are very pleased to receive such an encouraging response for the tournament.
“Teams, school clubs from Labuan, Lahad Datu, Kota Marudu, Beaufort and of course from around the City will gather in Likas this weekend.
“For this, on behalf of the association I want to thank their supports for the tournament,” he said here yesterday.
According to him, the men’s competition will see the teams dividied into four groups of five teams each.
Group A comprises SSMS A, Sembulan X, SMK Likas, KHL and KK High School while SSMS B, SCHC A, Bussku HC, SMK Kota Marudu and Field HC are drawn Group B.
In Group C, the teams are SSMS C, SCHC B, KB Hockey, X Tamparuli and PAFA Team while Group D comprised SSMS D, Weston Tomahowk, KKPF, Chezy HT and Flickers HC.
As for the women’s competition, Group E comprises SSMS A, UMS Adler Jnr, TFS Hockey, TLDU HT, Westonian and Lupa HT while Group F will have SSMS B, UMS Adler Snr, ALPHA, Last Minute HT and Golupo Tamparuli.
Towards this end, Dedi thanked Haji Azhar, who is Assistant Minister of Trade and Industries-cum-Karambunai Assemblyman, for his support in staging the tournament.