JEDDAH: Jeddah Polo, recently returned from a bruising encounter with a select Jordan team in Amman, put their international experience to good use when they trounced Riyadh 7-3 in the Lindt Polo Cup match last week.
Lindt, the premium Swiss chocolate company, sponsored the arena match in the International Equestrian School in Riyadh. The event marked another step in the slow but sure introduction of the ancient sport, which was carried to the west with the spread of Islam, into Saudi Arabia.
“I was very honored to play in front of such a distinguished crowd and hope that by demonstrating this exciting sport we will encourage other Saudi’s to join in,” said Hashem Al-Alawi who represented Riyadh and was the sole Saudi player.
Both teams played for the sponsors — Lindt — with the Black Team comprising of riders from Riyadh, against the white team from Jeddah. Invited VIP guests including members of the royal family and the diplomatic corps attended the event.
Jeddah Polo’s experience, gained in international club polo, was the deciding factor in the match, which began with the ambassador of Argentina to Saudi Arabia, Enrique Pareja, throwing in the ball. It highlighted the importance of teamwork and the unique relationship built up between members who regularly play together. Polo is widely recognized as the world’s oldest team sport.
Amr Shabili, of Lindt said that he believed that, as the only truly exclusive sport left today, polo this was exactly the kind of activity that reflects the values of our brand. “We are happy to support the growth of the ‘game of kings’ in the Kingdom.” Polo remains the world’s last truly elite sport — and is growing particularly in the Middle East
Zaighum Azam, consul general of Pakistan, said that he thought that the same values a player needed on the field were the very values that made one a useful member of society; teamwork, courage and tenacity.
“And of course polo is also very good exercise. Since we began playing polo in Jeddah, it has been our aim to introduce the sport to the people of Kingdom. The Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him, advises us to teach our children how to ride, and I believe that, particularly the youth, can learn much from this noble sport.”
Teams:
Riyadh Team (Black): Hashem Al-Alawi (Saudi), Sean Moran (Ireland) and Mohammed Riaz (India)
Jeddah Polo (White) Bruce Cowley (UK), Ayman Nackvi (UK), Zaighum Azam (Pakistan)
