By Syifarida Muhamad Zaki
KUALA LUMPUR, 13 March – The National Sports Award 2017 witnessed athletes from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) being honoured in the country’s most prestigious sports awards.
Cheong Jun Hoong, a Bachelor of Communication student from the Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, was named the National Sportswoman.
She received a championship trophy, an accompanying trophy, a certificate and RM20,000 in prize money.
Picture shown is for illustration purpose only - Jun Hong was not able to participate in the event as she was also currently participating in the FINA Diving World Series in Japan
At the World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, Hungary last July, she broke the dominance of the Chinese divers and became the country's first diver to win the gold medal in the women's 10 meter platform event at the World Aquatics Championships.
The men’s national field hockey team, which also consists of several UPM hockey athletes, received the Men’s Team of the Year Award. UPM athletes who are currently wearing the men’s national field hockey team jersey are Syed Mohd Syafiq Syed Cholan from the Faculty of Human Ecology; Nik Muhammad Aiman Nik Rozemi and Muhammad Najmi Farizal Jazlan, both from the Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication; and several UPM alumni. They will also take part in the coming 2018 Hockey World Cup.
The hockey team also received a championship trophy, an accompanying trophy, a certificate and RM20,000 in prize money.
The prizes and trophies were presented by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V during the event which was held at a hotel, here.
The national triple jump athlete, Muhammad Hakimi Ismail, a Bachelor of Education (Physical Education) student, was also shortlisted for the National Sports Award.
UPM Vice Chancellor, Prof. Datin Paduka Dato' Dr. Aini Ideris, who was also present, expressed her gratitude and was proud with the achievement.
“I am proud with UPM athletes who have proven that sports and academic excellence can go hand in hand. It is hoped that this success will inspire other students,” she said.
Head of UPM Sports Centre, Dr. Hanafiah Ayub said that an organised sports programme is one of the key factors for the success.
“UPM always conducts intensive sports development programmes to allow for more national athletes to be born here,” said Dr. Hanafiah, who was responsible for making UPM the overall winner of the recent SUKPIT 2018. - UPM
