BANGI, Apr 12 – The UTM Hunters made a significant impact on the Malaysian university kabaddi scene with an impressive performance at the Maaveeran 2.0 Intervarsity Kabaddi Tournament, which took place at the Tun Abdullah Mohd Salleh Hall, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Organized by the UKM Indian Student Representative and the UKM Kabaddi Club, this prestigious tournament attracted 15 universities from around the country, all eager to showcase their strength and skill in one of South Asia’s most dynamic contact sports.

Showing determination and pride, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) sent 21 players to compete in men’s and women’s categories. The tournament was filled with energy, excitement, and intense competition, pushing each team to its limits.

Women’s Team: Securing Silver with Heart

The UTM Tigers’ women’s team once again made an impressive mark by securing the 1st Runner-Up title after a series of outstanding matches. Their journey to the finals showcased their determination, strategic play, and strong teamwork. In the final showdown, they faced the Hunters, who gave their all but ultimately lost with a score of 23-46. Despite the defeat, finishing in second place is a significant achievement and highlights the team’s steady improvement and growing dominance in the sport.

One of the standout players was Sankari Puspanathan, who earned the Best Raider award. Renowned for her speed, timing, and fearless attacks, Sankari is well-known in Malaysia’s university kabaddi circuit. Her ability to break through defensive lines and accumulate points was crucial to the team’s success throughout the tournament.

Men’s Team: Strong Start, Tough Exit

The UTM men’s team showcased impressive effort and skill as they advanced to the quarterfinals, where they were narrowly defeated in a closely contested match. Although they did not progress further in the tournament, their performance highlighted their resilience, discipline, and strong potential for future competitions. The experience gained from this tournament will undoubtedly contribute to their growth as a team.

A Growing Legacy

The Tigers’ success at Maaveeran 2.0 adds to their impressive list of achievements. This marks a consecutive podium finish for the women’s team, who also secured the 1st Runner-Up title at Porkalam 2.0 and 3rd place at the Arima Sports Championship in recent months. Their consistent victories demonstrate the team’s dedication, coaching, and passion for kabaddi.

A representative from Persatuan Kabaddi UTM proudly stated, “This team continues to grow stronger with each tournament. We are incredibly proud of both our men’s and women’s teams. Sankari’s recognition as Best Raider is a testament to her hard work and leadership. We believe this is just the beginning of even greater achievements for UTM Kabaddi.”

Looking Ahead

The Hunters are not just participating but setting new standards in university kabaddi. Their journey is inspiring many young athletes at UTM and beyond. With a solid foundation and growing momentum, the future looks bright for UTM’s kabaddi teams. Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and supporters who contributed to this achievement. The roar of the Tigers continues to echo across the kabaddi courts of Malaysia!