By Wafa Awla
The history of Majlis Sukan Universiti Malaysia (MASUM) began in 1974 when the university sports officials held a sports competition involving staff at all universities in Malaysia. That was the time that saw the emergence of ideas and inspiration to develop the spirit of love for sports at the university.
The following year, a university sports competition was carried out. Until today, nearly 20 universities have participated including University Malaya, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM).
MASUM sports ended this session which left a lot of fond memories, especially for the participants. Despite their agility on the court battle, each participant must have some stories that are hidden throughout the game.
We are fortunate three of these guys were willing to share their stories about what they found after joining MASUM. They are Muhammad Izzuddin Shah Dudin Shobaruddin, Muhamad Izzat Ziad and Muhammad Adhwa Aimullah Adnan.
Representing silat category for IIUM, Izzuddin Shah told us how he was able to join MASUM.
“Before this, I often heard people talk about MASUM and never imagine that I will join this competition. At first I only accepted an invitation of my friend to learn any art of self-defence and at the same time to maintain my health. Coincidently the team was looking for participants and I was selected to join them.”
Meanwhile, Muhammad Izzat Ziad who represented IIUM for football category has his own reason when asked why he joined MASUM.
“It is my biggest dream to bring IIUM’s name comparable to any other universities especially in sports arena. Therefore, I give my best to the team in every game. Besides that, I also can get new experience from joining this game.”
“I have started playing this game since I was in school. After I got into IIUM I started play again during SMAC. That was the time the captain for rugby team of IIUM looked at me and offered me to be part of the team,” said Muhammad Adhwa Aminullah Adam who also represented IIUM for rugby category.
When asked about the sweetest thing that happened to them during MASUM, none of them told us about prize and victory but the spirit of brotherhood.
“Regardless of coach and participants, all of us are like a family. We are getting closer day by day. Because of that, we always protect each other. We did so many things together such as eating and training,” said Adhwa who was also the fan of Australian rugby player, Sonny Bill William.
“I will never forget when my team organised a surprise birthday party for me. They closed my eyes before they splashed me with water and flour. After that they brought cake and sang together,” Izzuddin Shah told us.
“Beyond a rigid focus on academic, students should also participate in athletic activities that help them psychologically. Sports can also instil confidence and discipline to help us in other aspects of life,” Izzat Ziad advised us before we concluded the interview. ***
Photos credited to Adhwa, Izzuddin & Izzat