By: Lim Min Jun and Andy Low

PENANG — The annual HCUC Badminton Tournament (MPU) was held at Lim Lean Teng Hall on 29 February. The competition was divided into two categories, the men’s doubles and women’s doubles. There were a total of 18 participating groups that consisted of 10 men’s doubles team and 8 women’s double teams of HCUC staff and students from all faculties.

During the qualifying stages, matches took place in a special format where each set lasted 30 points without a deuce. Interestingly, court changes during intervals happened exactly at the 15-point marker, adding a strategic element to the games.

Players fought in exciting clashes in the semi-final and final matches as the competition heated up, with a best-of-three sets format (3 x 21 points). This change raised the stakes and gave competitors the chance to demonstrate their adaptability and resiliency for longer stretches of time, exciting the crowd with prolonged on-court drama.

“Although we were the first team to have lost in this tournament, I am still happy to join because I love Mr. Sam and I am here to bond my relationship with Mr. Sam while gaining experience beyond the RM20 registration fee,” shared Tang Yu Xun, a student participant from Foundation in Communication.

The tournament brought together a diverse array of talented badminton enthusiasts across HCUC, creating competition and camaraderie. The tournament showcased the dedication and skill of the participating teams, turning the courts into a battlefield of smashing rallies and strategic plays.

Women’s Doubles champions, Yew Li Mei (from left) posing with HCUC Deputy Vice-chancellor Ms. Jenny Khoo (middle), and Teoh Sze Min.

After the tournament reached its climax with the echoes of cheers still resonating across the hall, Ng Jian Bin and Chan Fan Yi from Foundation in Communication were announced as the champions for the men’s double category while the champion team for the women’s double category was won by HCUC staff Yew Li Mei and Teoh Sze Min. 

“Despite that the final round was very challenging for me because our points with the opponent team’s were very close every time, it was still an exciting first experience for us,” shared Chan Fan Yi.

“I felt very pressured throughout this tournament because every player was very professional and difficult to defeat, till now I still can’t believe that we won as champions,” added his (Fan Yi) partner, Ng Jian Bin. 

“I’m very proud of my friends’ (Jian Bin and Fan Yi) win as it was an unexpected win and they are the foundation’s pride,” shared Khoo Run Ze, a Semester Two student from Foundation in Communication.

Dean of the School of Communication and Media, Mr. Chuah Chin Guan (from left) posing with the champions of the badminton tournament, Fan Jian Bin (middle) and his partner, Chan Fan Yi (from right).

Unlike the previous years, the badminton tournament this year ended with a lucky draw session. The grand prize, two badminton racquets were won by Ng Jian Bin and  Ms. Wahida.

After the prize giving and group photo session, the tournament that was a testament to the enduring spirit of athleticism in the HCUC community was proudly called to an end. 

The event organiser, Mr. Chiang Chee Kiat expressed his happiness to see this tournament succeed. He revealed that when he saw all of the participants, helpers and organisers enjoying themselves in the tournament , it was satisfying to see. He also shared his hopes to see next year’s tournament as a larger one with more involvement of every HCUC student and staff because it is an annual event that he looks forward to every year.