Polo, an event for the rich that stakes two gold medals, officially gets the 30th Southeast Asian Games going Sunday with the 0-2 low goals event at the newly-inaugurated Miguel Romero field in Calatagan, Batangas.
Four countries—Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and host Philippines—are entered in the event, which will also have the 4-6 high goals competition that begins on Dec. 3.
A tight battle for supremacy is expected with all participating teams pulling out all the stops to ensure a strong showing in the event that is included in the SEA Games calendar for only the third time.
The Philippines has never won a medal in polo, but this year’s squad has undergone intensive training overseas as it bids to help the country win the overall championship in the biennial meet that formally starts with the opening ceremony on Saturday at Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
“Everybody is excited, so we have to put on a show and try to help the country attain its ultimate goal of winning the overall championship,” said Rep. Mikee Romero, who is one of the spearheads of Team Philippines in the polo event.
Romero actually owns the facility where the competition will be held as he named it in honor of his late son, Miguel, who was an avid fan of the sport.
“With this world-class facility, we hope to host the Games properly and win the gold medal,” said Romero. “I’m one of the proponents of the SEA Games polo so I dedicate this to my son Miguel, who should be playing here.”