Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
THE national polo team delivered Brunei’s second gold medal at the 30th SEA Games after defeating Malaysia 7-4 in the final of the DIvision B: 0-2 goals category today.
This is the first time that Brunei managed to win more than one gold medal on foreign soil since their debut at the biennial Games in 1977.
The team comprising HRH Prince Hj Jefri Bolkiah, YAM Pg Muda Abdul Qawi, captain Md Farid Abdullah, Ak Md Khairul Alimin Pg Hj Mohamad, Idris Sirat, Huzaimi Hj Mahari and Md Huzaimi Husin led from start to finish at the Miguel Romero Polo Field.
Idris scored the opener before Farid added a double to give Brunei a 3-0 lead at the end of the first chukka.
Malaysia responded through Rashid with two goals to see the scoreboard read 3-2 at halftime.
It was in the third chukka that Brunei ran away with four unanswered goals with Farid scoring the first and the last to make it 7-2 heading into the final chukka.
Rashid then scored two more for Malaysia but it proved to be a mere consolation to see the Sultanate to finish on top of the podium for the second time at the Games.
It was sweet revenge for Brunei having lost to the same opponents 8-3 during the qualifying round on Friday.
Farid felt that they executed the game plan accordingly and that it was their mindset that got them the victory.
“We learned from losing to them earlier last week. So we changed up the game plan and it was something that they weren’t expecting,” said Farid in an interview with BruSports News after the triumph.
“But the main factor in us winning is our belief and determination.
“We are also honoured and proud to be part of making history. We are proud to be Bruneian and to carry the Brunei flag and winning gold,” he added.
When asked on what’s next, Farid replied: “We are looking to build on a remarkable SEA Games and compete in the All Asia Cup in February next year.”
That concludes Brunei’s involvement at the Games and they will return home with two gold, five silver and six bronze medals.
