By: Abubakar Bin Tallat
ISLAMABAD: The exhibition match between Islamabad Club Junior Polo Team (ICPJ) and Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club concluded with an exhilarating finish, as Islamabad Club Juniors emerged victorious with a thrilling 6-5 victory over Dubai Polo Club. The match took place at the Polo Ground of Islamabad Club on Sunday, marking the last fixture of the 2-match series.
The Islamabad Club Polo Juniors got off to a strong start, with Abdullah scoring an early goal at the beginning of the opening chukker. However, Dubai’s Charlie Matthews quickly responded with a fantastic goal, leveling the contest at 1-1 by the end of the first chukker.
The second chukker witnessed an impressive display of horsemanship and aggression from Islamabad’s young players. Saad Mirza and Saim Abbas scored two goals, giving Islamabad a 3-1 advantage. The momentum continued in the third chukker as Saad Mirza and Saim Abbas each added another goal, extending Islamabad’s lead to 5-1.
Dubai Club staged a remarkable comeback in the fourth chukker when Ayden Al Ahmed Aiden capitalized on two consecutive undefended thirty-yard penalties, narrowing the gap to 5-3. However, Islamabad’s Hashim Waheed hammered another goal, bringing the score to 6-3.
In the final moments of the match, Dubai scored two more goals, creating an intense finish with a final score of 6-5 in favor of Islamabad Club Juniors.
The prize distribution ceremony featured the presence of Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salim Al-Zaabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Pakistan, and Dr. Touqeer Shah, the Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary, as chief guests. They awarded trophies and souvenirs to the players of both teams, acknowledging their exceptional performances.
The exhibition series between the junior teams of Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and Islamabad Club was the first of its kind and was hosted by The Islamabad Club, showcasing the growing interest in and development of polo in the region.
The thrilling match not only entertained spectators but also highlighted the remarkable skills and sportsmanship displayed by both teams, further contributing to the promotion and popularity of polo in Pakistan.
