Pakistan and India eyeing at Asian-Australian-African Polo Championship’s Finals
Pakistan and India, the unconquered polo teams of the Asian-Australian-African Polo Championship are going to contest semi-finals respectively, against Australia and South Africa at the Royal Pahang Polo Club in Pekan, Malaysia.
Keeping in view the previous track record of the two teams, it looks that the arch-rivals will meet each other in the finals of the championship that will also serve as FIP (Federation of International Polo) World Cup Finals, which is to be played from October 11 to 25 in San Luis, Argentina.
Pakistan is currently holding the top position at the point-chart with two wins. It scored 28 goals, while conceded only 17. It thrashed Nigeria by 15 ½ - 7 and trounced South Africa by 12 ½ -10 in the group matches.
On the other hand the Indian side secured second position at the point-table which scored 17 ½ goals and conceded only 10. It edged past Australia by 5 ½ - 5 and defeated Malaysia at 12-5.
Vikram Rathore, the manager of the Indian team, while speaking to the media, said that the inclusion of Jodhpur’s Maharaja Gaj Singh will be a plus point that would enhance their morale to get a spot in the finals. He further stated that the victory against high-profile Australia would surely serve them in the semi-final contest. Apart from Maharaja Gaj Singh, the Indian team, will depend on Samir Suhag, who notched eleven goals in the last two fixtures.
He further stated, “We go into the match, having played a ‘high-pressure’ match against Australia. This has put us in the right frame of mind to face South Africa for a place in the final. Hopefully, it will be an India-Pakistan final. We have great rivalry in polo. It will be good for Asian polo.”
It is vital to mention here that both the teams have had one triumph in the last two matches played earlier this year. The South African team won the match by three goals, 8-5 and lost a game by three goals, 9-6.
On the other side, the Pakistani team is also quite optimistic to get into the final match of the Asian-Australian-African Polo Championship.
Abdul Qadir Mamdot, the manager of the Pakistan’s polo line-up, said that whether Hissam Ali Hyder joins or not, they would try to get a spot in the championship’s finals and as well in the Argentina-based Final Round. He further stated that all players are in a great form, who recorded 28 goals in two competitions. They were looking to continue their impressive form and winning-streak in the upcoming matches, he added.
He said, “The absence of Hissam will not affect our game as we have Sami Ullah (Handicap 4) who has been in great form in our matches against Nigeria and Pakistan. Australia is a good side but we have a good strong attacking side to take them on.”
The manger further informed that Hissam had not been released for the championship, as he was donning the colours in the Queens Cup. In his views, Hissam is a seasoned polo player, whose inclusion surely will leave affect onto performance of the team. Hissam, who is also famous as ‘Namu’ in the sport’s circles, is a five goal handicap player and is looking for the sixth one.
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