Pakistan Polo Team leaves for Malaysia to partake Zone D World Champions Play-offs: Polo News
The Pakistan’s polo team comprising of six members left for Malaysia to contest the Zone D play-offs of the World Polo Championship, scheduled to be held from June 12 to June 25, 2011 in Kuala Lumpur.
The team will take part in the seven-nation qualifiers, where the top three squads will qualify for the Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Cup that is due to take place from October 11 to October 25, 2011 in Argentinean city of San Luis.
The seven squads have been divided into two groups of which Pakistan is placed in Group B. They will play against Nigeria and South Africa. Pool-A is comprised of Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and India. Two successors from each group will move into the
semi-final stage of the qualifiers.
The Pakistan polo team is comprised of youngsters and experienced players. It is vital to mention here that Pakistani team, which reached the World Championship back in 2003, will start its journey against Nigeria on June 15, 2011. They will be lined-up
against South Africa after three days on June 18, 2011.
The line-up has been finalised after a detailed review of the players in the training camps organised in Lahore and Rawalpindi respectively. The Pakistan polo team is comprised of Hissam Ali Hyder (Captain), Raja Samiullah, Taimur Nadeem and Muhammad Saqib
Khan. Additionally, Bilal Haye and Ahmed Ali Tiwana will be reserve players of the Pakistani squad. Abdul Qadir Khan Mamdot will be Manager of the Pakistan Polo Team during the Malaysia tournament.
Lt. Col. Aurangzeb Mirza, the Secretary of the Pakistan Polo Association (PPA), while speaking to the media stated that the Pakistan polo team was quite optimistic to show-off their worth. He further stated that the final names had been picked up through
performance-based procedures. He maintained, “It is a talented side which is capable of beating all the teams participating in the play offs. We anticipate a semi final match against India and look forward to beat our arch-rivals.”
The Secretary was of the opinion that Pakistan was ready to face India in the semi-final stage; however, both the sides will have pressure in the game.
Abdul Qadir Khan Mamdot on the occasion stated that all the players are enthusiastic to deliver their best performance in the seven-nation event. However, he added that it would not be an easy task, as best players will represent their sides in the qualifiers.
Isfandiyar Ali Khan Pataudi, the Chairman of the PPA, was of the view that they opted for youngsters after considering a large number of legendary players across the country.
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