JOHOR BAHRU, May 26 – Demonstrating the unifying power of sports and student initiative, the International Student Society (ISS)-Yemen Sports Carnival 2025, organized by the ISS–Yemen in collaboration with Student Representative Council (MPP) and ISS Central, brought together over 400 participants from more than 10 nationalities for five days of high-energy competition and cultural exchange. Spanning from May 22 to 26, the event highlighted the spirit of teamwork, wellness, and international friendship within the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) campus.
Held across ten different sports disciplines—futsal, volleyball, basketball, badminton, swimming, chess, individual race, relay race, as well as e-sports favourites FC25 and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), the carnival kicked off with a grand opening ceremony, officiated by the director Mohammed Moqbel, and attended by Manager of Student Experience at Global Education & Experience, Norfaeza Ali; Advisor of ISS-Yemen, Dr. Nabil Hasan; ISS-Yemen President, Osamah Mohammed; representative from ISS Central, other international and local societies and participants.
The competitions witnessed intense yet friendly rivalries as students demonstrated not only athletic skill but also integrity, discipline, and sportsmanship. Volunteers, referees, and organizing teams worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth execution of over 100 matches across multiple venues.
Among the most notable additions this year was the swimming competition, an event that had not been held at UTM for many years. Its return was met with great enthusiasm from both participants and spectators. “Finally, I got the chance to participate in a swimming competition. I’ve been on campus for several years, and this is the first time I’ve seen one here. I’m really happy,” shared Idham, one of the winners in the swimming category, expressing his joy and appreciation for the event’s revival.
The futsal tournament stood out as the most participated team event, featuring 15 competitive teams, and also recorded the highest audience turnout among all sports. With roaring crowds and back-to-back thrilling matches, futsal created an atmosphere of excitement and unity that captured the spirit of the carnival like no other.
The event concluded with a grand closing ceremony, attended by Director of UTM Sport Excellence Center, Rizam Rahmat; the Event Director, Mohammed Moqbel; President of ISS-Yemen, Osamah Mohammed; and a representative from ISS Central, alongside winners, participants, and supporters. Trophies and medals were awarded to top-performing teams and standout athletes in a celebration that honored both achievement and unity. Cheers and celebration filled the air as the curtain fell on what many described as “the most dynamic student sporting event of the year.”
By blending health, harmony, and diversity, the ISS-YEMEN Sports Carnival—with the support of MPP and ISS Central—stands as a shining example of UTM’s commitment to fostering global student leadership and unity through extracurricular excellence.