SHAH ALAM, Nov 2 — The opening of the Royal Selangor Polo and Equestrian Club (RSPEC) in Cyberjaya, Sepang, is set to bring a new dimension to sports with a long history in Malaysia.
Although polo and equestrian sports are often regarded as elite pursuits, efforts are being made to create more opportunities for the public, particularly the younger generation, to discover, try and participate in these sports.
RSPEC is not an exclusive members-only club but a public facility that aims to bridge the gap between the community and these sports, said its president Dato' Syed Budriz Putra Jamalullail.
"Moving forward, RSPEC will expand its sports, educational and community programmes to give more people, particularly the younger generation, opportunities to learn about, experience and participate in polo and equestrian sports.
"These continuous efforts are expected to contribute to the development of new talent, strengthen the equestrian sports ecosystem and establish RSPEC as an open, dynamic sports and recreational destination that benefits the community," he told Media Selangor.
Construction of RSPEC on a 28-hectare site began in November 2024, in line with Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj's vision of providing the state with comprehensive and comfortable sporting facilities.
The club, officially opened by the Sultan on September 26, features a one-kilometre sand track, 136 horse stables, indoor and outdoor arenas, and eight pickleball courts.
RSPEC deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim said Sultan Sharafuddin wanted the development to serve as a catalyst for the growth of polo and equestrian sports in Selangor.
"Members of the public can come and use all the facilities. There will, of course, be charges on a pay-per-use basis, but what matters most is that the facilities are open to everyone. We want to make these sports accessible to the people and allow them to experience them firsthand.
"RSPEC was established to become a community sports and recreational destination that more people can enjoy," he said.
RSPEC also offers specialised classes at affordable fees to introduce interested individuals to horse riding or help them pursue opportunities as polo and equestrian athletes.
Besides providing horses for training, a Polo Academy has been established to develop more athletes and offer early exposure to riding techniques and the fundamentals of polo.
Beyond sports, RSPEC also emphasises technical and vocational education and training (TVET), creating opportunities for people to improve their livelihoods through different career paths.
According to Irmohizam, the polo and equestrian industries offer numerous opportunities for skills-based training, including horse care and stable management.
"This is not only for those who ride horses. The additional educational opportunities can serve as a starting point for people to improve their livelihoods through different fields.
"We can collaborate with universities in Selangor, such as Universiti Putra Malaysia, to provide industrial training through relevant faculties, covering not only horse-related disciplines but also veterinary science and business," he added.
With polo and equestrian facilities also available at the Fraser Valley Polo Club in Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor is well-positioned to nurture new talent capable of competing against international athletes.
Lifetime achievement awards
On October 3, Sultan Sharafuddin presented the Lifetime Achievement Award (Polo) to Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Syarif Temenggong Perlis Dato' Seri Diraja Syed Amir Abidin Jamalullail and Tengku Panglima Besar Tan Sri Tengku Alam Shah.
The awards were presented during the RSPEC Royal Gala Dinner held in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Sultan of Selangor's reign.
The Lifetime Achievement Award (Equestrian) was presented to Tan Sri Mahamad Fathil and his three children, Datuk Quzier Ambak, Datuk Qabil Ambak and Quzandria Nur.
Qabil Ambak, who won eight medals, including one gold, at the 2023 Asian Games, said opening the club to the public would give more people the opportunity to take up polo.
"Equestrian sports have long been part of my family, beginning with my father, followed by my brother and younger sibling. I hope this will inspire other families to take up equestrian sports.
"With this club now open to the public, more people have the opportunity to get involved. Many may be hesitant to try these sports because they believe they are reserved for certain groups," he said.
The Sultan of Selangor Silver Jubilee Polo Cup tournament was initially scheduled to take place this year but was postponed to early next year due to haze conditions.
It was replaced by the closed-door Charity Shield tournament, held from October 5 to 17 and involving six teams. Proceeds from the event were channelled to charitable organisations in Selangor and Pahang.
The opening of RSPEC also marks a continuation of Selangor's polo heritage, which dates back to the establishment of the Selangor Polo Club in 1902 at Port Swettenham, now known as Port Klang.
The club subsequently relocated several times, including to Gurney Drive and the Selangor Turf Club, before moving to Ampang Hilir in the 1960s, where it remained until 2022.
