Malaysia has won every SEA Games gold medal in polo since 1983, but amazingly, has never hosted a youth polo tournament.
That is about to change as Kuala Lumpur Academy of Polo will organise the 1st Malaysia Youth Polo Tournament at The Selangor Polo Club from March 4-6.
Tournament director Peter Ibrahim Abisheganaden said they have sought to list the tournament in the Malaysia Book of Records. The competition is also to raise funds to save the Malayan tiger.
“Malaysia has a wealth of young polo talent. In the Kuala Lumpur Academy of Polo, we have players as young as eight,” said Abisheganaden, an ambassador of the Federation of International Polo.
“This tournament gives these young players a chance to experience playing polo in a safe, but competitive environment. It is the start of their polo journey through life.”
The tournament comes soon after Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu told Twentytwo13 that Covid-19 would not hinder the hosting of local and international sports events in Malaysia.
Abisheganaden, a 12-time Southeast Asian champion rider in three FEI disciplines, and who show jumped at two Asian Games, said the tournament hopes to raise RM120,000 for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to help save the Malayan tiger.
“All players and team support will wear attire with Malaysia’s distinctive tiger stripes,” said Abisheganaden, a champion in flat racing, polo, and tent pegging.
“A portion of the player’s entry fees will be donated to the WWF’s Tiger Fund, while we plan to have a Ride-A-Thon, auction, and a raffle.”
Besides that, there would also be other fun events like pony rides for children, mechanical bull riding, and a flag parade.
Selangor Polo Club president, Tengku Baderul Zaman Sultan Mahmud, is the tournament’s patron, and has donated the challenge trophy for the winners.
“The Selangor Polo Club has been at the forefront of polo in Malaysia for the last two decades,” said Tengku Baderul Zaman.
“This youth event is a valuable addition to our roster of polo tournaments as youths are the future of this sport.”
For more information, contact Abisheganaden at +601-22875638 or email ztpete84@gmail.com.
