SINTOK: The Higher Education Institution Games (SUKIPT) has emerged as a platform for identifying and training rising athletes to compete at international competitions.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud said that up-and-coming athletes at the higher education institutions (HEI) level have what it takes to participate in larger and more prestigious sporting events including the ASEAN University Games (AUG) and the World University Games (UNIVERSIADE).
He expressed confidence that all 73 contingents participating and the involvement of approximately 1,500 officials will exemplify high sportsmanship.
According to him, athletes should draw inspiration from past achievements of outstanding SUKIPT athletes to motivate themselves and strive for excellence in SUKIPT 2024.
“A total of 46 tournament records were broken during SUKIPT 2022 at UPSI. Now, it is time for all athletes to intensify their efforts and work towards increasing the participation of HEI athletes in international sports events.
“Incidentally, SUKIPT 2024, which is being hosted at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), coincides with the university’s 40th Anniversary. This event not only celebrates the competitive spirit of our athletes but also marks a historic milestone for UUM. Congratulations!’ he said during the Opening Ceremony of the Higher Education Institution Games (SUKIPT) 2024, held at UUM Stadium last night.
Datuk Mustapha also encouraged athletes competing in SUKIPT 2024 to aim for setting a national record, offering a reward of RM20,000 for this accomplishment.
He expressed his gratitude to UUM for hosting the 6th Edition of SUKIPT, as well as to all parties involved, both directly and indirectly.
The opening ceremony began with a golf shot as the highlight of the event’s gimmick, followed by the lighting of the championship torch. The torch was carried by Ms. Siti Shazwana Ajak (Pencak Silat athlete), Mr. Muhammad Wafiyuddin Abdul Manaf (Golf athlete), Ms. Syaqiera Mashayikh (Archery athlete), and Mr. Umar Osman (Track and Field athlete) before being handed over to Datuk Mustapha.
The tournament flag-raising ceremony was conducted by 11 members of the UUM Reserve Officer Training Unit (ROTU), followed by the reading of the pledge by Mr. Muhammad Hariz Muhammad Hezri.
The singer, Akim also enliven the occasion with his performance that evening.
This year, SUKIPT highlights the endangered Pandan Muskrat as its mascot.
