7SAMUDRA to compete in under-17 water polo open championship

Local clubside 7SAMUDRA Water Polo team will be taking part in the 12th TARUC Water Polo Open Championship.

Organised by Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TARUC) Water Polo Club, the under-17 competition will be happening at the TARUC Swimming Pool in Kuala Lumpur from August 10-11.

And 7SAMUDRA will not only hope to make an impression in the championship, but more importantly, gain much exposure and experience in an effort to further improve in the sport.

Team manager Ivan Chu said the squad comprised a combination of 13 players from Sabah Tshung Tsin Secondary School, Kian Kok Middle School, Kota Kinabalu High School, All Saint Secondary School and Spring of Wisdom School.

The players are Chu Zhun Shenn, Brandon Lee Tze Yee, Shayne Lim Yi Xuan, Jayden Foo Ee Jedd, Kelvin Chin Vui Hung, Tseu Jia Wei, Lok Yiu Heng, Jackald Tony Wong, Jared Yong Jik Wai, Jaker Cheow Hong Sheng, Ivan Voo Kai Fung, Allen Tay Neng Chung and Ryan Liaw Jian Quan.

Ivan said it took them two years to set up the team and after going through many challenges, the Christopher Yong-coached squad would be eager to make some splashes in the pool.

"We are looking forward to the competition...win or lose is not the most important.

"What matters is we are able to set up the team, have a chance to gain some experience, rectify weaknesses and strengthen our team during the competition," he said in a statement to the press yesterday.

Ivan added that water polo sport is played internationally and that it is being recognised in the country.

"It is also an annual sport in both the National Age-Group and the MSSM (Malaysia Schools Sports Council) championships," he added.

Having said that, Ivan hoped that with the right approaches, the sport would be able to grow in the state.

"In the near future, we hope to organise interschool competitions or even invitational tournament including at the international level.

"In order to achieve all these, we shall seek for supports from all parties (to have better) pool facilities, technical officials and of course funding from the state.

"It is our hope to charter a new history for Sabah from the water polo arena and make the state proud," he said.

Meanwhile, Ivan on behalf of 7SAMUDRA, thanked Youth and Sports Minister Phoong Jin Zhe and the Kota Kinabalu District Education Office for their strong support for the team's participation in the weekend's competition.

Apart from that, he also thanked Tony Wong of Kejuruteraan Kekal Maju Sdn Bhd for sponsoring the team's cap as well as Kendrick Wong of Partsasia Spare Sdn Bhd for sponsoring team attire and not forgetting also the support from all parents.

The team will be leaving for Kuala Lumpur on August 9.