Romero says it’s time to create NSA for polo

MANILA, Philippines—Businessman-Sportsman Mikee Romero has pushed for the formation of a national association (NSA) in polo to raise the sport’s awareness and competition level.

“We have so many big-time players, but we need to form a national group to have an identity,” said Romero, who just successfully organized the Philippine Polo Open 2015 for the third straight year.

“With the continued rise of polo in terms of popularity and acceptance, I think it’s high time that we form a national association so that we can bring the competition to the next level.”

Romero said by establishing the sport’s NSA, the different polo groups will have a unified direction in promoting the sport and developing a grassroots program.

“We now have a slew of young players eager to play,” said Romero. “And I heard that some kids in the south are also interested to take up the sport. That’s why it’s important now that we create a national association to sustain the growth of the sport.”

Romero said the country has turned into the latest playing hub of several international players, like Chinese polo patron Shilai Liu of Tang Polo, Thai Apichet Srivaddhanaprabha of Kingpower, Australian-Thai Robin Lourvanij of Polo Escape and other topnotch professional players from Brunei, England and Argentina.

English pro Max Charlton, who fired five goals in Los Tamaraos’ 8-7 nipping of Tang Polo in the Philippine Open finals, also hopes to return after an impressive debut in the tournament.

“It was an amazing experience,” said Charlton.

Romero, who owns Globalport Batang Pier in the PBA, plans to meet with the country’s top players and supporters to create a working committee that can help the sport form an official NSA. Jasmine W. Payo