KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur Polo Club (KLPC) announced the conclusion of the highly anticipated KLPC National Polo Tournament, the Polo Fiesta 2024.
The 3-day event held from 12 to 14 July, celebrated the sport of polo and showcased a spectacular array of equestrian competitions, including high-goal polo matches, dressage and showjumping.
Polo Fiesta 2024 managed to attract elite players and teams from across the nation and overseas, underscoring KLPC’s reputation as the premier destination for polo and equestrian sports.
The tournament featured high-goal polo matches that captivated audiences with thrilling displays of skill, strategy and sportsmanship, aside from an array of activities and entertainment available at the location.
Featuring various categories of dressage and showjumping, the event highlighted the elegance and precision of these disciplines, where participants of all ages and skill levels were able to demonstrate their dedication and passion.
The event emphasises community engagement and inclusivity, with support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM) and the Royal Malaysian Polo Association (RMPA), reflecting the collective effort to promote polo and equestrian sports in Malaysia.
At the same time, the KL Academy of Polo (KLAP) played a significant role in nurturing future polo stars and encouraging greater accessibility and participation in the sport from the wider public. The academy plays a vital role in identifying and nurturing young talent, providing them with the training and resources needed to excel in the sport. This commitment to developing homegrown talent ensures that Malaysia remains competitive on the international polo stage, fostering a new generation of skilled and dedicated players.
The event also showcased Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Malaysia, demonstrating KLPC’s commitment to inclusivity and the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding for differently-abled individuals.
“The success of the Polo Fiesta 2024 would not have been possible without the generous support of our partners and sponsors. Special thanks are extended to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh for her continued support of the sport.
“We are also grateful for the support of the EAM, RMPA, Yayasan Kebajikan Atlet Kebangsaan (YAKEB), PDRM, Rakan Muda, KLAP, RDA and One Corsa,” KLPC said in a statement.
Celebrating Polo and Equestrian Excellence
The high-goal polo matches were the major highlight of the tournament where a mix of international and local players brought an exceptional level of skill and excitement to the field, showcasing their horsemanship, strategy and teamwork in a series of encounters.
Additionally, the low-goal polo matches saw the participation of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) Polo Team, La Familia, KL Academy of Polo (KLAP) KLPC, Tyrants Polo and One Corsa/Indrapura, which played a crucial role in fostering the development of amateur players by allowing them to compete alongside seasoned professionals.
The dressage competitions included categories such as Preparatory, Preliminary, Novice and Elementary where riders exhibited their horses’ training and discipline.
Each performance was judged on precision, fluidity and harmony between horse and rider, captivating the audience with the grace and poise of the equestrian athletes.
In the showjumping arena, riders navigated the challenging courses designed to test their agility and speed.
Categories ranged from 40-50cm jumps to the more demanding 115cm jumps, with the team challenges providing an extra tinge of excitement by fostering camaraderie and team spirit among the participants.
