The Pakistan polo team under the guidance of their Argentinean coach Lucas Di Paola will train in Argentina to get fully prepared for the FIP Polo World Cup there.
Pakistan along with India and Australia qualified for the World Cup to be held at Argentina from October 10 to 21. They emerged among the top three teams of Zone D play-offs held Malaysia in June-July. Pakistan team captain Hissam Ali Hyder and Temur Nadeem have already left for Argentina from England while the remaining members of the squad will leave for the training and practice by September 23.
“The team will play eight matches and will get coaching in Argentina before the World Cup,” said Col (retd) Aurangzeb, a Pakistan Polo Association official.
“Playing and coaching is an important aspect of participation in the event and we are holding the camp training at Argentina to give acclimatise the team,” said he.
Abdul Qadir Mamdot, who will be traveling with the team as manager, said that Pakistan was one of the best teams of the Zone D. “They showed courage, discipline and determination. The players played as a unit for the team and if Pakistan continues to play with same spirit, it is very likely the team will keep Pakistan flag flying high,” said Mamdot.
From Zone A, Mexico and USA made to the final round while defending champion Chile are placed in Zone B along with hosts Argentina and Brazil. The formation of Zone C with European region will be decided soon as its qualifying round has yet to be played.
Pakistan played their first qualifying round in 2003 at the Lahore Polo Club but failed to advance in the next event in 2007. Pakistan after a span of eight years once again earned berth for the top event, featuring world top ten teams.
Pakistan squad: Raja Samiullah (handicap 4 goals), Saqib Khakwani (handicap 3),Ahmed Tiwana (handicap 3) and Temur Nadeem (handicap 2) while Bilal Haye (handicap 2) is reserve player.
