Polo targets first SEAG gold

MANILA, Philippines — A crack polo team hopes to deliver the first gold for Team Philippines in next year’s SEA Games, which the country will be hosting for the first time since 2005.

Barring any change in schedule, the first of three events calendared for the biennial meet – the 0 Goals Mix – will be held from Nov. 10-17 with the final set on Nov. 29 – a day before the region’s biggest sporting meet 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 Committee officials, led by chairman and Rep. Abraham Tolentino and secretary-general Pato Garcia.

The 0 Goals Mix, according to Romero, will feature 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. 20-26 with final on Dec. 9 and the 2-4 Goals on Dec. 2-9 with final match Dec. 9.

UPPA, headed by Coco Garcia, with Hollywood film producer Jun Juban as secretary-general, Tonio Veloso as executive-general and Jun Eusebio as vice chairman, said 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 Parañaque City, Manila Polo Cup and Pulilan in Bulacan

Aside from the royalties of Brunei, others 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.

Princess Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah and Prince Abdul Mateen will banner the powerhouse Brunei team that includes Prince Muda Bahar Bolkiah and Prince Abdul Qawi Bolkiah.

Romero said the clan of Srivaddhanaprabha – Aiyawatt and Apichet – will spearhead Thailand’s bid while Malaysia will be headed by Abdul Rashid Hasnan,  Amran Selamat, Khairy Jamaluddin and Mohd Zulhelmi Nadzar.