Equestrian Polo makes a return to the Kuala Lumpur 2017 SEA Games after a decade’s absence with four teams in the fray – Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Brunei.
Two teams that took part in the 24th edition of the biennial games held in Korat, Thailand in 2007 – Indonesia and the Philippines – are missing from the 29th edition in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia won the gold medal in 2007 with Singapore taking the silver while Thailand settled for the bronze.
Hosts Malaysia are the hot favourites to win the gold at the Equestrian Park in Putrajaya which was recently upgraded at a cost of RM2 million.
For the first time in the history of the Games a sports minister will be part of the Malaysian team. Malaysia’s Minister of Youth and Sports YB Brig Gen Khairy Jamaluddin is in the team – picked on merit and is expected to play a key role in Malaysia’s quest for the gold.
The Polo tournament will be held from Aug 20-30.
However, Singapore have sounded a warning that they have “incredible local talent” ready for the “opportunity to showcase our skills” to challenge for the gold, in a recent statement issued by Singapore captain Satinder Garcha.
Satinder, who is also the President of the Singapore Polo Club and led the team to the silver in Korat, added: “We have put in a lot of efforts in our preparations for this year’s Sea Games.”
The Singapore team to the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games is coached by 9-goal handicap Argentinian Hector Julio Crotto. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
