Cover The inaugural Agong’s Cup took place in October 1 to 14, 2023 at Putrajaya Equestrian Park

The Agong’s Cup 2023, held from October 1 to 14, 2023 at the prestigious Putrajaya Equestrian Park, unfolded as a riveting spectacle of polo prowess

In a dazzling celebration of regal splendour and equestrian prowess, the prestigious Agong’s Cup 2023 unfolded as a high-stakes tournament, conceived to pay homage to the Royal Malaysian Polo Association’s illustrious royal patron, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah. A gracious tribute to His Majesty's profound love for polo, the event showcased Malaysia’s ascent as a dominant force in Southeast Asia’s polo arena, thanks to his enduring patronage.

Malaysia’s polo journey, evolving from its nascent days, now boasts structured development programs, a robust national league, and the ability to host world-class competitions. The Agong’s Cup gathered eight formidable teams—Brunei Polo Team, Jogo Polo, Kelantan Polo Team, La Sarita, Royal Malaysian Mounted Police Polo Team, Royal Pahang Polo Club, Ranhill, and SLAE Polo. Each team, representing the pinnacle of polo excellence, engaged in 14 days of relentless competition, creating an atmosphere brimming with excitement.

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Photo 1 of 24 Dato’ Syed Budriz Putra, president of Royal Malaysia Polo Association
Photo 2 of 24 Pancaragam Pusat PDRM welcoming the start of the grand finals
Photo 3 of 24 Noryn Aziz singing the national anthem
Photo 4 of 24 Presentation of teams and flag by Jogo Polo before the grand finals of the Agong’s Cup
Photo 5 of 24 A packed crowd catching the grand finals of Agong’s Cup 2023
Photo 6 of 24 Estanislao Vidal of Jogo Polo and Sebastian Alejandro Borghi of Brunei Polo Team
Photo 7 of 24 Khairy Jamaluddin of Jogo Polo
Photo 8 of 24 Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah
Photo 9 of 24 Tengku Zafrul Aziz
Photo 10 of 24 Dato' Dr Harald Link, Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, and Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah
Photo 11 of 24 Prince Bahar Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei Polo Team and Estanislao Vidal of Jogo Polo, Sebastian Alejandro Borghi of Brunei Polo Team (behind)
Photo 12 of 24 Fans of Brunei Polo Team
Photo 13 of 24 SLAE Polo and Royal Pahang Polo Club during the semi-finals
Photo 14 of 24 Royal Pahang Polo Club duking it out with SLAE Polo
Photo 15 of 24 Horses being prepped for the Jogo Polo team
Photo 16 of 24 Sebastian Alejandro Borghi of Brunei Polo Team and Carlos Pando of Jogo Polo
Photo 17 of 24 Princess Azemah Bolkiah, captain for Brunei Polo Team
Photo 18 of 24 Despite the heat, polo fans were eager to watch the match
Photo 19 of 24 Jogo Polo and Brunei Polo Team
Photo 20 of 24 Score between Jogo Polo and Brunei Polo Team
Photo 21 of 24 A nail biting moment as both teams race to score points in the grand finals
Photo 22 of 24 Estanislao Vidal and Carlos Pando of Jogo Polo
Photo 23 of 24 Jogo Polo and Brunei Polo Team wrestling to score
Photo 24 of 24 Royal Pahang Polo Club
Khairy Jamaluddin of Jogo Polo

The grand spectacle unfolded amidst fervent enthusiasm, prompting the expansion of the public grandstand to accommodate the swelling crowd. Devotees of the sport flocked to witness every match, transforming the venue into a buzzing arena of thrill and anticipation.

The climax of the event reached its pinnacle during the grand finals, where the Brunei Polo Team emerged victorious, clinching the coveted Agong’s Cup with a triumphant 7-5 ½ scoreline over Jogo Polo. Beyond being a showcase of sporting excellence, the Agong’s Cup 2023 also served as a platform to recognise outstanding contributions to Malaysian polo.

See also: ‘Tengku’ or ‘Tunku’? A Guide To Malaysian Honorary Titles

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Photo 1 of 7 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and Brunei Polo Team, winners of Agong’s Cup 2023
Photo 2 of 7 Brunei Polo Team—Prince Bahar Jefri Bolkiah, Princess Azemah Bolkiah, Farid Abdullah, Sebastian Alejandro Borghi
Photo 3 of 7 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and Jogo Polo, the runner up for Agong’s Cup 2023
Photo 4 of 7 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and Royal Pahang Polo Club, who took home the 3rd place
Photo 5 of 7 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and SLAE Polo, who clinched the 4th place of the Agong’s Cup
Photo 6 of 7 All the teams who participated in the Agong’s Cup—Brunei Polo Team, Jogo Polo, Kelantan Polo Team, La Sarita, Royal Malaysian Mounted Police Polo Team, Royal Pahang Polo Club, Ranhill, and SLAE Polo
Photo 7 of 7 The Agong’s Cup trophy crafted by Royal Selangor & designed by RMPA

As the curtain gracefully falls on the Agong’s Cup 2023, it leaves behind a legacy of excitement, camaraderie, and a promising future for Malaysian polo. The success of this extraordinary event wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of the participating teams, sponsors, and the dedicated polo community.

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Images: Royal Malaysian Polo Association

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Sim Wie Boon
General Manager, Tatler Malaysia, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia

Sim Wie Boon is the general manager of Tatler Malaysia. Previously the print and digital editor, Sim hails from the land of the hornbills, Sarawak. Sim is now based in Kuala Lumpur and brings more than a decade of experience in the media industry as a journalist and broadcast producer.

As a self-proclaimed geriatric millennial, he appreciates the finer things in life, from savouring a sip of single malt whisky to relishing in the deliciousness of char siew. While reminiscing about the indie-sleaze era, Sim now finds solace in the soothing tunes of ambient music, staying active through running and occasionally succumbing to the addictive world of doom scrolling.

Follow him on Instagram or Threads at @simwb