VARSITY SEPAK TAKRAW LEAGUE (VSL) CIRCUIT 1 USM 2026 CLINIC UNCOVERS YOUNG SEPAK TAKRAW TALENT

NIBONG TEBAL, 14 April 2026 - The Varsity Sepak Takraw League (VSL) Circuit 1 Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) 2026 Clinic successfully attracted encouraging participation from more than 12 schools across three states, namely Penang (South Seberang Perai), Perak (Kerian) and Kedah (Bandar Baharu).

Held in conjunction with the Varsity Sepak Takraw League Circuit 1 Championship at the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus (KKTSS) from 14 to 18 April 2026, the programme recorded a total of 85 participants, comprising primary and secondary school students, along with 15 accompanying teachers.

The clinic was conducted by a panel of instructors from the KPT–MASUM team, led by former national tekong Ahmad Saufi Hashim, together with several experienced players. This provided participants with the opportunity to learn techniques and skills directly from high-calibre players.

The closing ceremony and prize presentation for the best players by position were officiated by the Dean of the School of Chemical Engineering, Professor Ir. Dr. Zainal Ahmad, representing the Director of KKTSS USM.

According to him, the organisation of the programme aimed to introduce the sport of sepak takraw to the younger generation, while also fostering closer ties between the Engineering Campus and the local community through sports.

“This initiative is also seen as part of efforts to enliven the Silver Jubilee celebration marking 25 years of the campus’s establishment in Nibong Tebal,” he said.

He expressed hope that programmes such as this would spark deeper interest among participants in sepak takraw, while also providing them with a platform to hone and showcase their existing talents and skills.

At the same time, he voiced his hope that similar clinics would continue to be organised in the future as a platform to nurture more young talents with the potential to bring pride to the nation.

“Overall, this programme not only succeeded in achieving its objectives, but also strengthened the relationship between the university and the community through a talent development and sports-based approach,” he added.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/Photo: Muhammad Taufik Abdul Rahman