It was that time of the year again, when our doctors took on a different role as soccer players for an afternoon at our 45th SMA Goldplus Universal Inter-Hospital Soccer Tournament. This was the second time that the soccer tournament was being held at the Cage Sports Park @Turf City.
The weather was perfect – a cheerful sunny day that mirrored the mood of the players as they donned their soccer studs and team colours, preparing for the win.
Lots were drawn by the tea m representatives to decide their opponents for the five matches they would each play. Lady Luck decided if the teams had to play back-to-back games or if they had a break in between, which would be a true test of their stamina and teamwork. Regardless of the outcomes of the lots drawn, every team took up the challenge with a fighting spirit and "never say die" attitude.
Soccer is a game of strategy and stamina but beyond that, it also rewards the players with a chance to connect with their teammates and push their limits as a team player. The players' desire to win became more evident as the matches kicked off with Team Private Practice facing Team NUHS, while the two SingHealth teams faced off against each other. Following that, ten exciting yet gruelling matches ensued with only two ending in draws. Even the competition for the top scorer was a close call, with the number of goals under each player's belt changing with every match. It finally ended with a tie between Dr Edward Zhang from Team SingHealth 1 and Dr Jesse Chang from Team SAF, garnering three amazing goals each to push their teams nearer to the championship title.
The final showdown was between Teams SingHealth 1 and SAF with a nail-biting suspenseful match that would determine the champion, as both teams were equally strong and skilled on the pitch. With their last surge of energy, the Team SingHealth 1 players ended the match with a score of 1-0 and a resounding applause from the audience.
The total number of goals scored over the entire four-hour time frame of the tournament was 17; the highest number of goals being scored was six by the champions, Team SingHealth 1. Both Teams NUHS and SAF gave Team SingHealth 1 a run for their money, ending up as the 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively.
Our heartiest congratulations to Team SingHealth 1, led by captain Dr Mohamad Farid Bin Harunal Rashid, for winning the championship at the 45th SMA Goldplus Universal Inter-Hospital Soccer Tournament!
We would also like to thank Goldplus Universal Pte Ltd for their generous sponsorship and for supporting the players throughout the matches. Our annual inter-hospital soccer tournament is not just about winning or losing, but also celebrating sportsmanship and true camaraderie over a fulfilling afternoon of sporting fun. We are already looking forward to the next one in 2020!
Winners List
Champion
SINGHEALTH 1
1st Runner Up
NUHS
2nd Runner Up
SAF
4th Placing (Tie)
PRIVATE PRACTICE
NHG
5th Placing
SINGHEALTH 2
These placings are determined by points accumulated from the outcome of the matches