Kuala Lumpur:Pahang: The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has announced his intention to retire from participating in polo competitions. Despite this decision, he will continue to support the Royal Pahang Polo Club.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Al-Sultan Abdullah made this announcement during the Prize Presentation Ceremony of the Royal Pahang Classic Centenary Cup 2026, which was held to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Pahang Polo Club. He noted that his decision to retire was influenced by his long involvement in the sport and the persuasion of his children, who encourage him to keep playing.

Though he is stepping back from competition, Al-Sultan Abdullah expressed a desire to support the club and occasionally play polo without entering competitions. His Highness also expressed gratitude for the successful conclusion of the tournament, which had been in the planning stages for many years.

The tournament faced challenges due to weather conditions, including haze and continuous rain, which led to the postponement of several matches. However, no serious injuries were reported, and all participants, including the horses, remained in good condition.

During the tournament, the Royal Pahang and Jogo Polo teams were declared co-champions after a 7-7 draw in the final match. The event also featured a dramatic moment when the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, fell while playing with the Royal Pahang team.

Al-Sultan Abdullah extended his appreciation to polo fans and the people of Pahang for their unwavering support of the Royal Pahang Polo Club, expressing hope that this support will continue in the future. The tournament was a significant event in the club's centennial celebrations, bringing together various teams to compete for the championship title.