LAHORE: Green-Shirts defeated arch-rival India by 5-4, for third consecutive time in 10 years, in the first match of Polo World Championship Zone ‘E’ playoffs at Innada Polo Club Johannesburg, South Africa.
There were two matches in total of four chukkers each, one in Innada and second one yesterday. The second match was the crucial decider where Hamza Mawaz secured six out of the seven goals.
These matched were initially scheduled to be played in England but India refused to play there and the venue was changed to South Africa.
According to details, the two teams competed in the Zone ‘E’ Polo World Cup playoffs where Pakistan thrashed India by a 5-4 score, getting an upper hand over the latter in the World Polo Championship qualifying round.
The encounter with arch-rivals India was a crucial one to secure a coveted position at the World Polo Championship scheduled to be played in the US later this year.
According to information provided by Pakistan Polo Association (PPA) Secretary Lt-Col Ayaz Ahmed, Pakistan team played well against India with phenomenal Hamza Mawaz Khan and Raja Sami Ullah scoring 4 goals each while young and energetic Raja Mikayel Sami and Raja Temur Nadeem scoring 3 goals each. In the last moments, the game was tied at 4-4, but Raja Temur steered the ball onto Raja Mikayel, who smashed in the match-winning goal and helped Pakistan register their first victory in the mega event.
From the Indian side, Sawai Padmanabh Singh and Shamsheer Ali secured 4 goals each while Kuldeep Singh and Naveen Singh contributed three goals each.
It is to be noted that he World Polo Championship takes place every three years since the inaugural tournament was held in 1987 in Argentina. For the past 10 years, India has refused playing in Pakistan nor is willing to invite Pakistan to play in their country. This is the second out of three matches the two nations have played that Pakistan has won, at neutral venues. Pakistan won in China, lost to India in Iran and has now secured a victory in South Africa.
The World Polo Championship 2022 will be held from October 26 – November 6 in Florida USA and preliminary games will be held at Valiente Polo Farm. The semifinals and final will take place at the National Polo Center – Wellington.
