Speaking about his team’s prospects at the NIP Championship, Hissam said, “The Northern India Polo Championship features high goal teams with seasoned polo professionals and well-maintained horses. I look forward to representing Pakistan as a player alongside other high goal players from South Africa, England and Argentina.”

Comparing the level of polo infrastructure in India and Pakistan, Hissam further adds, “Both countries have tremendous talent and it’s heartening to see that the level of interest in the sport is climbing on both sides of the border. The Indian Association of Polo has done well to encourage the private sector to invest in the sport, a move which is now paying dividends for them. In Pakistan, investment in the sport of polo is gradually increasing and has resulted in the creation of polo grounds of international standards, but there is still need for sizeable investment to promote the game at a grass roots level.”

With a handicap of 6 goals, Hissam Hyder is presently ranked in the top 5% of the world’s polo players. Hissam has been named as the most valuable player in Pakistan on 6 different occasions and has been on the winning team of 7 National Polo Championships in Pakistan. Internationally he has participated in top, high goal tournaments such as the 2012 Dubai Trophy in England, the 2012 Cope Presidente and the 2011 Duke of Cornwall Trophy among many others.

This is first time that Hissam Hyder will be participating in the Northern India Polo Championship. He will continue his polo tour of India by participating in the Maharaja Jiwaji Rao Scindia Gold Cup, which commences on 19 February 2013.