YPM FC emerged as the inaugural champions of the Pahang Liga Bola Sepak Rakyat (People’s Football League) after defeating Majlis Daerah Raub FC 2-1 in the final at Darul Makmur Stadium here yesterday.
The victory saw YPM FC take home the Al-Sultan Abdullah Cup and a cash prize of RM40,000, following a spirited performance that included goals from Wan Muhammad Akmal Hakim Wahab in the 13th minute and Nasyrullah Mohd Zaki in the 40th minute.
Majlis Daerah Raub FC’s solitary goal came in the second half, scored by Zaiful Zakwan Arnain in the 80th minute.
The match was graced by the presence of the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
Also present were Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Deputy Minister of Economy and Paya Besar Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Mohd Shahar Abdullah, and Pahang Communications and Multimedia, Youth, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairman, Datuk Fadzli Mohamad Kamal.
Speaking to reporters, Wan Rosdy said the tournament would continue next year to unearth new talent for Pahang and serve as a platform to restore the excellence of the ‘Tok Gajah’ team in the national football arena.
He noted that the response to the inaugural edition had been excellent, and improvements would be made for future tournaments.
“Whatever we do must be better than before; so, perhaps next year we will introduce specific categories,” he said.
Additionally, he highlighted that the league drew participation from various segments of society—regardless of race or background, bringing people together as one big family.
The league, which began on June 6, has attracted 105 teams from across the state, involving 2,600 young players under the age of 19.
