Strengthening Unity Through Sports: IIUM Inter-Mahallah Sports Carnival 2025 Champions MADANI Spirit

By, Imad Hassan Basri

GOMBAK, 10 May 2025: The Inter-Mahallah Sports Carnival (ISC) 2025 concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony at the Main Hall, IIUM Cultural Centre, marking the end of a week filled with fierce competition, teamwork, and the celebration of unity among IIUM students. With 17 Mahallahs participating, the event reinforced the spirit of ukhuwah, brotherhood, and sisterhood, demonstrating the role of sports as a unifying force in campus life.

The ceremony featured an electrifying parade of contingents from each Mahallah, with cheers filling the hall as representatives marched in proudly. The closing ceremony was officiated by the Member of the Senate, Parliament of Malaysia, YB Senator Isaiah D. Jacob, along with IIUM leaders, faculty members, and athletes, all witnessing the culmination of a highly competitive sports carnival.

Reflecting on the theme, “Strengthening Unity, Championing MADANI,” ISC Chairman, Dr. Muhammad Afif Bin Husman, shared how this year’s event embraced IIUM’s mission to promote unity between Mahallah residents, fostering ukhuwah through healthy competition. He emphasized, “The MADANI aspect, which is usually practiced in professional settings such as corporate workplaces, is now being incorporated into sportsmanship as well. This initiative also includes promoting shariah compliance in sports, ensuring ethical competition while setting an example for other institutions on how sports can be a platform for both athletic excellence and moral responsibility.”

One of ISC 2025’s key highlights was its Mahallah-led management bureau, a shift from the traditional centralized structure, allowing students to take leadership roles, deepen engagement, and contribute to the execution of the event. The carnival also focused on sports where IIUM excels, further strengthening the university’s presence in athletic performance.

After a week of intense matchups, Mahallah Zubair Al-Awwam was crowned the overall champion in the Brothers’ category, while Mahallah Sumayyah emerged as the champion in the Sisters’ category. Their victories showcased determination, teamwork, and an unwavering competitive spirit, securing their status as top performers of ISC 2025.

Principal of Mahallah Sumayyah, Dr. Shamshina Bt. Mohamad Hanifa, expressed her admiration for the athletes’ perseverance and commitment, sharing how Mahallah Sumayyah executed its strategy with full spirit, beginning with the flag-off and handing-over ceremony, alongside a heartfelt recitation of Doa Rabitah in every matches. She emphasized that the carnival was not only about winning but also fostering camaraderie through interblock competitions and ensuring equal opportunities for all participants. “Despite the challenges—limited preparation time, scheduling conflicts that prevented some talented athletes from competing—I am beyond proud of our contingent. Their determination, teamwork, and ability to represent Mahallah Sumayyah with dignity and passion are truly commendable. Congratulations to all in advance, as everyone who competed has already won in their own way,” she said.

Meanwhile, Assistant of the Sports Bureau, Mahallah Sumayyah, Nur Amirah Binti Shahrizal, expressed her hopes for future ISC editions, encouraging more students to take the first step in competitive sports and discover their potential. She remarked, “I hope to see more athletes stepping forward, embracing this opportunity to test their skills, build resilience, and experience the spirit of competition in a meaningful way. ISC provides a platform not just for competition but for personal growth, teamwork, and lasting friendships that extend beyond the playing field.”

Speaking on behalf of Mahallah Zubair Al-Awwam’s winning contingent, the President, Ahmad Luqman Siddiqiey bin Harryzan proudly reaffirmed their championship legacy, celebrating their third consecutive victory at ISC. “Mahallah Zubair Al-Awwam has once again proven itself as the home of champions, successfully defending our winning legacy for the third season in a row. This achievement is a result of the hard work, dedication, and unwavering cooperation of every athlete in our contingent. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all team members for their perseverance and commitment. While we celebrate this victory today, we also look ahead—to improving, growing, and making sure the coming years bring even greater success,” he said.

Despite challenges, including Ramadan coinciding with preparation meetings, the post-Eid holiday gap, and tight scheduling constraints, the ISC committee successfully executed a seamless event through collective determination and efficient teamwork. Assistant Chairperson of ISC, Madam Nurul ‘Ain Mohamed Noor, expressed appreciation for the commitment shown by students and organizers, which ensured the success of ISC 2025.

With the carnival now concluded, the legacy of sportsmanship, unity, and leadership remains strong. ISC 2025 not only celebrated athletic talent but also reinforced IIUM’s commitment to holistic student development, proving that sports can be a powerful tool for fostering collaboration, integrity, and excellence.***