58th Asajaya Unity Cup returns with new veteran category, RM21,500 prize pool

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By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, March 5: Sarawak’s oldest football tournament, the Asajaya Unity Cup, is back for its 58th edition, featuring a new veterans’ category for players aged 40 and above, and offering a total prize pool of RM21,500.

Organised by Sambir Bistari Football Club (KBSB) in collaboration with the Kota Samarahan Football Association and Sarawak Football Association, the tournament is set to kick off on the third day of Hari Raya and will run for about two weeks.

Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR) permanent secretary Datuk Abdullah Julaihi, who is the KBSB patron, said the Asajaya Unity Cup—first introduced in 1967 as Piala Sambir Ekspres—has grown beyond a sporting event to become a key platform for fostering unity and developing football talent in Asajaya, Kota Samarahan, and across Sarawak.

Also previously known as the Chief Minister’s Cup from 1990 to 2003, the tournament has been called the Unity Cup since 2004, inspired by Sarawak’s Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who also serves as the Asajaya assemblyman.

“The Cup was initiated with unity as the core principle, especially in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations,” Abdullah said, as reported by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on March 4.

To date, more than 20 teams have registered, with total participation capped at 50 to ensure smooth management, discipline, and safety throughout the tournament.

In the main category, champions will take home RM7,000, runners-up RM5,000, and third place RM3,000, while teams eliminated before the semi-finals will receive RM500 each as a participation incentive.

For the new veterans’ category, participation is limited to 12 teams. Champions will receive RM1,500 along with a trophy and medals, runner-up RM1,000, and third place RM500.

Lea Sports Centre returns as the main sponsor, with additional support from local village committees and youth groups, maintaining the strong community backing the tournament has enjoyed for decades. — DayakDaily

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