By  Amalul Asyraf Rosli, Sports and Recreation Centre

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) athletes delivered an outstanding performance at the 46th Malaysian Universities Staff Sports Championship (SUKUM) 2026, securing five gold, two silver, and 10 bronze medals.

Held from 6 to 15 August at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Nerus, SUKUM 2026 brought together university staff athletes from across Malaysia in a competitive sporting environment that celebrated excellence, sportsmanship, and camaraderie among members of the higher education community.

The five gold medals were contributed by athletes competing in archery, badminton, and tennis, demonstrating the university’s strength across both individual and team-based sporting disciplines. 

The two silver medals came from the men’s beach volleyball team and the veteran men’s javelin throw, while 10 bronze medals were secured through footgolf, veteran football, netball, women’s beach volleyball, women’s table tennis, and archery.

The contingent successfully achieved the gold-medal target. UMT had set its sights on five gold, five silver, and 17 bronze medals for the championship.

UMT fielded a contingent comprising 17 teams and 189 athletes, supported by 37 officials responsible for ensuring the effective coordination, management, and welfare of the contingent throughout the championship.

According to the UMT Registrar and Head of the UMT SUKUM 2026 Contingent, Ts. Wan Abdul Manan Wan Abdullah, the achievement was the result of collective commitment and strong teamwork among athletes, officials, coaches, and supporting personnel.

“This achievement reflects the commitment, discipline and fighting spirit of the entire UMT contingent,” he said. “Beyond the medals, SUKUM provides an important platform for our staff to strengthen teamwork, build meaningful relationships, and uphold the spirit of excellence that represents UMT.” 

He further emphasised that staff participation in sports contributes significantly to a positive organisational culture, promoting physical well-being while strengthening values such as resilience, leadership, mutual respect, and teamwork.

The success at SUKUM 2026 also reinforces UMT’s commitment to developing a vibrant and inclusive sports culture among its staff, Wan Abdul Manan said. 

The five gold, two silver, and 10 bronze medals are more than a collection of sporting accolades, but they represent the determination, perseverance, and unity of the UMT community in pursuing excellence, he added.