Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei in action against the Philippines during the polo competition of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. Photo from Borneo Bulletin
His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen and Her Royal Highness Princess Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah guided the Brunei Darussalam national polo team to a 8.5-8 victory over the Philippines in the 4-6 high goal of the polo event at the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Abdul Qawi watched the match at the Inigo Zobel Polo Facility in Calatagan, Batangas Sunday.
“They are a very tough team (Philippines). Individually, they are very good players,” said His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen in an interview with the Philippine media.
Asked about His Royal Highness’ thoughts on playing with his family members including Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah, His Royal Highness said, “I guess on the field we are very old teammates.”
His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen also shared that the team have played numerous games under their belt since their last participation at the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur two years ago.
“Hopefully we can do much better than last time,” added His Royal Highness, whose side grabbed bronze in Malaysia.
His Royal Highness is no stranger to polo games in Manila but the outing against the SEA Games hosts was his first time playing in Calatagan.
The national team will continue their qualifying campaign in Division ‘A’ against Indonesia on November 26 before concluding the 4-6 high goal event with an encounter against Malaysia on November 28.
The top two countries from Division ‘A’ will proceed to the gold medal match while the third and fourth placed team will battle it out for bronze.
The medal playoffs for the 4-6 high goal event is expected to be held on December 1.
The polo event is the first sport to be contested in the SEA Games with the opening ceremony slated on November 30.