BANGKOK,THAILAND – The excitement of the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games continued to build with the staging of the highly anticipated Polo final match, which is greatly awaited by sports enthusiasts across the Southeast Asia region, particularly those in Brunei Darussalam.

The final match (low goal) between the Brunei Darussalam Polo Team and the Thailand team took place on Wednesday at VS Sports Club & Siam Polo Park, Samut Prakan, Southern Bangkok.

The final match was honoured by the presence of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, adding prestige and profound encouragement to the Brunei Darussalam National Polo Team.

The team, which features His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen and Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah, defeated Malaysia’s National Polo Team with a score of 9 – 6 at the semi-final last Monday, which the final match is to compete for the gold medal against the host, Thailand’s National Polo Team.

Upon arrival at the VS Sports Club & Siam Polo Park, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was welcomed by Director of the Governor’s Office and Spokesperson for the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) Samonjarod Mingkumlerd; and President of the Thailand Polo Association Dr Pairoj Boonkongchuen.

At the match, the Brunei Darussalam Polo Team secured the Silver medal after a fierce match against Thailand’s National Team, with a score of 0 – 7.5.

His Majesty the Sultan presented the championship medals to the winners of the polo (low goal) final match. The Gold medal was claimed by the host country, Thailand; Brunei Darussalam gained the Silver medal and the Bronze medal went to Malaysia.

The national team will proceed with a ‘high-goal’ Polo match on December 13 at VS Sports Club & Siam Polo Park.

Also present to watch the match were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council; His Royal Highness Prince Haji 4 – 4 PR Jefri Bolkiah, Team Manager of the Brunei National Polo Team; and Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah.

Following the Polo Final Match of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, His Majesty left Bangkok, Thailand.

Present at Suvarnabhumi International Airport to bid farewell to His Majesty was Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah.

Prior to departure, Doa Selamat was recited by the State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Awang Haji Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

Present to bid farewell to His Majesty were a member of Privy Councillor and the Minister Counsellor at Reception Division of Protocol Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms. Pimduan Nagaviroj.

Also present were Minister of Foreign Affairs II Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad; and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to Thailand Pengiran Haji Sahari Pengiran Haji Salleh.

Courtesy from Borneo Bulletin