A polo club in the United States and Tourism Corporation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are preparing for an event of a different kind to develop understanding about Pakhtuns and history of their region in the US.
For the first time Pakistani polo players will play a match against the United States at Saratoga Polo Club at Saratoga Springs on July 17.
Pakistan is a country with one of the highest polo ground in the world and the United States has some of the oldest polo clubs including Saratoga Springs.
Unlike old times when regional kings used to settle disputes by playing a polo match, the US and Pakistani teams are playing this match to come closer and develop understanding of this region, organisers of the event hope.
E. Nisar Khan, managing partner at US-Pak Polo Club, has been actively engaged with Tourism Corporation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) to organise the match.
He told Dawn by telephone that a cultural evening would also be held for the first time to showcase the culture and history of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well as connection of polo to the region. “By this, we are hoping to open avenues for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he adds.
He says that it can possibly start long distance learning programmes and medical research in future along with some exchange programmes.
“I think the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should take a lead as we can and will open up doors through this venue,” says Mr Khan, a US entrepreneur of Pakistani origin having ancestral ties to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Mr Khan and his wife Naseema say they want to show the rich culture and history of people and this region to the people living in the US.
This event can open doors for much needed reference for need in technology, education and renewable green field developments for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and partnerships with US companies in the future, hopes Mr Khan.
The US-Pak Polo Club has also planned to host a combined US-Pakistan fashion and fusion mix musical evening. Famous singers like Ismail and Junaid and other Pashto singers have been invited to perform. Traditional dance troupes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also been invited to perform at Saratoga Springs.
Provincial Minister for Sports Syed Aqil Shah, who will represent Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the event, said that the cultural troupe was going to present true picture of the people and culture of the province. The polo players from Pakistan were going to give their best at the match, he said.
The minister is also going to deliver lectures at selected educational institutions to provide information to the people in the US about culture and history of the region and its people.
“Meetings with people there is going to help improve people-to people understanding,” said Mr Shah.
news covered by dawn sports
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