Barring any scheduling glitches, polo could give the Philippines its first gold in next year’s SEA Games which the country will be hosting for the first time since 2005.
That’s because the first of three events calendared for the biennial meet – the 0 Goals Mix – will be held from Nov. 10 to 17 and will have its final on Nov. 29 – a day before the biggest sporting extravaganza t in the region officially opens.
“Hopefully, we can produce the first gold and set things in motion for Team Philippines,” said United Polo Players Association (UPPA) Chairman and Rep. Mikee Romero (1 Pacman Party-List) after a meeting with Philippine Olympic Officials, led by chairman and Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Secretary General Pato Gregorio
The 0 Goals Mix, according to Romero, will be played by two male and two female players.
“It’s going to be an exciting event,” said Romero.
The two other events are the 5-8 Goals slated on Nov. 20 to 26 with the final on Dec. 9 and the 2-4 Goals on Dec. 2 to 9 with final match on Dec. 9.
UPPA, headed by Coco Garcia, son of former Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia, with Hollywood film producer Jun Juban as secretary-general, Tonio Veloso as executive-general and Jun Eusebio as vice chairman, stated that it is preparing at least six venues for the event.
They are the Miguel Romero Memorial Polo Field, Zobel Polo Field in Calatagan, Batangas, Alabang Country Club, BF Homes in Paranaque City, Manila Polo Cup and Pulilan in Bulacan
Aside from the royalties of Brunei, also expected to field formidable squads are Indonesia and Thailand.
Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo, a businessman and politician from Indonesia, has vowed to form a high-powered team for the event.
Princess Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah and Prince Abdul Mateen will banner the powerful Brunei team that includes Prince Muda Bahar Bolkiah and Prince Abdul Qawi Bolkiah.
Romero said the wealthy clan of Srivaddhanaprabha — Aiyawatt and Apichet – will spearhead Thailand’s bid, while Malaysia will be led by Abdul Rashid Hasnan, Amran Selamat, Khairy Jamaluddin and Mohd Zulhelmi Nadzar.
