KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- The Tengku Arif Bendahara of Pahang, Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri’ayatuddin Shah Ibni Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, is set to carry the national flag onto the 2025 SEA Games stage after being called up to join Malaysia’s polo squad for the Thailand edition.
His inclusion not only strengthens the team’s firepower but also carries strong symbolic value as he follows the trail blazed by his father, Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who captured the polo gold medal at the 1983 SEA Games in Singapore.
Tengku Muhammad Iskandar’s presence marks a proud continuation of Malaysia’s long-standing polo tradition, one that has consistently elevated the country’s reputation on the regional stage.
Armed with valuable experience from various international tournaments, he is expected to deliver a tactical edge when Malaysia battles for honours in Samut Prakan.
The polo competition at the SEA Games will take place at VS Sports Club and Siam Polo Park, two of Thailand’s premier venues and established hosts of world-class tournaments.
The high-quality venues promise a challenging and competitive arena for all Malaysian riders, including Tengku Muhammad Iskandar, offering a true test of teamwork, precision and on-field chemistry.
Malaysia also boasts a solid line-up of core players: Muhammad Shahir Akmal Mohd Shah, Amran Selamat, Abdul Rashid Hasnan, Azhar Mustapha, Mohd Zulhelmi Nadzar, Muhammad Edham Haji Shaharuddin, Tengku Ahmad Shazril Ezzani and Ikwan Hafiz Jamaludin.
This blend of seasoned campaigners and rising talents gives Malaysia the balance needed to find top form ahead of the showdown in Thailand.
With the tournament expected to feature the region’s strongest polo outfits, Malaysia is aiming for a sharper, more convincing outing this time.
The combination of experience, promising young blood and the presence of Tengku Muhammad Iskandar opens a new chapter for the national equestrian polo squad as they chase a breakthrough performance.
The polo event had previously been held in four other editions — Singapore 1983, Korat 2007, Kuala Lumpur 2017 and in 2019 in the Philippines, with Malaysia coming out tops in all four.
-- BERNAMA
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