KUALA LUMPUR: Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd has brought back the nation's largest futsal tournament, Milo Hidup Bola, for its 18th edition.

The event has attracted 12,000 participants contended for the top spots, the winners of the 2024 tournament have earned their rightful place.

Nestle Malaysia sports marketing manager of Milo Kerwin Lim said the talent of young futsal players was amazing to witness at this year's Hidup Bola tournament.

"Through futsal as one of the largely played sports among Malaysians, we strive to instill the importance of values like persistence, discipline and teamwork, which are essential on and off the court.

"Hidup Bola remains a clear testament to the power of sports in uniting communities and inspiring youth to pursue their dreams, while the tournament continues to be a premier platform for Milo to unleash talent and enable young stars to shine," said Lim.

In its 18th installment this year, Nestle said Hidup Bola continues to raise the profile of futsal among young grassroot Malaysians, while Milo, a strong advocate of balanced and active lifestyles for decades, has been a driving force in the development of youth in sports for Malaysia.

Hidup Bola saw a vibrant display of prowess, with the players exhibiting stellar performances and embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship.

All 13 states and the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur were represented in two categories comprising under-12 and under-16 age groups.

The crowned champion of this year's tournament grand finale for the Under-16 team, Court Soccer 'A' took home a cash prize of RM15,000 and the Milo Hidup Bola Cup, celebrating their third consecutive championship title with an outstanding performance.

Nestle said the year's tournament also saw notable achievements from PFA Odin FC from Sarawak, who reclaimed its first runner-up title in the Under-16 category since 2019.

Meanwhile, Akademi Bola Sepak Wira Muda (AWM) from Penang emerged as the winners in the Under-12 category, securing their first MILO Hidup Bola Under-12 championship title since the club's inception in 2018.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/10/1116110/nestle-brings-back-malaysias-largest-futsal-tournament