2026 WorldWorld Cup Fever Hits Media Fraternity At SAM-SP Sports Fiesta
KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- The 2026 World Cup fever has now spread to local media practitioners, with a replica of the iconic trophy emerging as the top prize at the SPxSAM Goal & Smash World Cup Fiesta 2026 held today.
The inaugural event, organised through a strategic collaboration between the Sports Writers Association of Malaysia (SAM) and SP Sports Parks, aimed to bring together media practitioners for sports and recreational activities amid the festive atmosphere surrounding the World Cup.
SAM sports Exco member Firdaus Hashim said the tournament was part of the association's annual initiatives, but this year's edition was made more special to give media personnel an opportunity to experience the excitement of the world's biggest football tournament.
"In conjunction with the World Cup, we organised this fiesta to create a lively atmosphere among media practitioners because this is the right time to bring together journalists who spend their days gathering news.
"While taking part in sports activities, we can also watch the matches on the giant screen provided here," he told Bernama.
He said this year's edition received an overwhelming response, with participation from eight media organisations including Bernama, Media Prima, RTM, Utusan and Kosmo, as well as four of SAM's strategic partners competing in futsal and pickleball events.
He added that the programme also served as a casual platform for media personnel who have had to work around the clock due to match time differences, ensuring sports fans in the country continue to receive timely news reports.
SP Sports Parks representative Daniel Wong said he was proud to collaborate with SAM in providing top-notch facilities for the media community, which has long supported sports development.
"It is a fantastic idea because this is what we need from the media and the community — working together to build a community of people who are passionate not only about playing, but also about watching football together," he said.
Commenting on the replica of the World Cup trophy that drew considerable attention from participants, Daniel said it was specially sponsored by SP Sports Parks to provide maximum impact for the winners of the futsal competition.
The futsal champions will take home RM800 in cash, medals and the World Cup trophy replica, while the pickleball champions will receive RM300 in prize money along with a special trophy designed to reflect the identity of the sport.
Meanwhile, the pickleball competition created its own sensation when the debut pairing of Ahmad Nazrin Syahmi Mohamad Arif and Ahmad Syabil Sultan Noordin Ahmad showed their mettle to clinch the championship title.
Carrying the name 'Mexico', the Bernama journalist duo displayed an energetic performance to seal a resounding victory over the TV3 representatives, who represented 'Argentina', in the final.
"A good game, a great partnership, and a bit of luck on our side. Grateful for this victory. Thank you to SAM and SP Sports Park as the organisers for a wonderful tournament.
"It is even sweeter to be able to meet and strengthen ties with fellow SAM members," said Ahmad Nazrin Syahmi.
-- BERNAMA
