Pakistan lose to India in Asian-Australian-African Polo Championship by 12-9
After booking their berths in the FIP (Federation of International Polo) World Championship, India and Pakistan faced-off in finals of the Asian-Australian-African Polo Championship with the former coming out victorious by three goals, 12-9. The crucial
contest was held at the Royal Selangor Polo Club in Malaysia on June 26, 2011.
It is vital to mention here that the regional tournament namely Asian-Australian-African Polo Championship also serves as FIP Zone-D qualifiers for the World Championship that is scheduled to be played at the Estancia Grande Polo Club in San Luis, Argentina
from October 10 to 25, 2011.
With getting a maiden victory outside the country, the Indian polo team created a new chapter of sport history.
Vikram Singh Rathore, the Manager of the Indian Polo team, in a pleasing state of mind said that they had accomplished their mission successfully that would serve them in the Argentina-based World Championship. He stated, “This win is history for us. We
came here with a mission and we did it in style. As I said this is the best polo team from India in 20 years. This team has a bright future. Indian polo has come of age and we will be heading to Argentina (for FIP Polo World Cup Finals) in October with confidence.”
The manager was of the opinion that the triumph would be the first step towards the development of polo in the country. He expressed hopes saying that polo has a bright future in the region.
Abdul Qadir Mamdot, the Manager of the Pakistan’s polo squad, said that the Indian side was far better than the Pakistani team. He stated, “We had the chances but failed to make it count. India deserves to win. They were the better side.”
With an undefeated record, the duo line-ups landed on the field with a mission to lift the title of the Championship. In the head of few handicaps, the Pakistan’s polo team earned two goals and opened the game in quite a brilliant way.
Ahmed Tiwana and Temur Nadeem scored one goal each in the early minutes and established their dominance over the game. However, the Indian polo pros were not sitting silently and pushing the game towards conclusion. Samir Suhag was at his best and started
action with four goals in the counter-offence. At the end of second frame, both teams were locked horns at four-all.
The remaining period completely belonged to the Indian side which obtained eight more goals, while holding Pakistani players only for five points.
Samir Suhag, who set the pace with seven goals in the final, was named as the MVP of the event. His team-mate, Simran Shergill, scored three goals, while Tarun Sirohi and Vishal Chauhan added one goal apiece in the win.
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