KUALA NERUS – UC TATI may be among the newest entrants in Malaysia’s university athletics landscape, but the Terengganu-based institution is already setting ambitious targets, including securing representation at this year’s ASEAN University Games (AUG).
Entering only its second season in the Varsity Track & Field (VTF) Championship, the Kemaman-based university college is determined to continue its upward trajectory after an encouraging debut campaign last year.
UC TATI team manager Ahmad Nur Aiman Ahmad Jalani said the team had proven its competitiveness by finishing sixth overall among 21 institutions during the previous edition despite its relative inexperience at the national varsity level.
He said long-distance events remain the team’s strongest asset, particularly the men’s 5,000 metres, 3,000 metres and 3,000m steeplechase disciplines.
“Our athletes have a realistic opportunity to earn selection for the ASEAN University Games squad because many of them are still actively competing at a high level.
“Last season, we consistently challenged for medals in distance and steeplechase events, and those remain our key focus areas.
“This year, we are aiming not only to improve our overall standing but also to increase our medal haul,” he said.
UC TATI began its VTF 2026 campaign on a promising note during the opening leg hosted by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in April, securing two gold medals through the men’s 3,000m steeplechase and men’s 400m hurdles events.
According to Ahmad Nur Aiman, the performances have boosted confidence within the camp ahead of the second leg, which is currently taking place at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) and concludes on Sunday.
“For the second leg, we have entered seven athletes across several events and hope to add more medals to our collection,” he said.
Now in its fifth edition since being introduced in 2022, the Varsity Track & Field Championship has become an important platform for identifying and developing university athletics talent in Malaysia.
The championship also serves as a key pathway for athletes seeking selection to major international competitions, including the ASEAN University Games and the FISU World University Games.