Rep. Mikee Romero in motion.—CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
For the primary time within the storied historical past of the US Open Polo Championship, the Philippine flag will fly over Wellington, Florida, as Rep. Mikee Romero and his Globalport Polo group put together to face off in opposition to the world’s finest.
On March 24, 2025, Romero—businessman, sports activities patron and three-term congressman—will lead his squad onto the sphere in what is taken into account essentially the most prestigious occasion in polo. It’s an achievement not only for his group however for the Philippines, marking the primary time an Asian-based group has certified for the elite match.
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For Romero, this second has been a lifetime within the making. A former varsity basketball participant turned multi-sport patron, he has lengthy been a drive in Philippine athletics, supporting groups in basketball, volleyball, biking, taking pictures and polo. A Southeast Asian Video games bronze medalist, he has competed beneath the Philippine tricolor earlier than, however by no means on a stage as grand as this.
“It’s a giant honor for me to signify the nation on this US Open,” Romero mentioned. “Qualifying is already an enormous accomplishment, however we need to make an impression. We’re right here to problem the dominance of the established powers of polo.”
To try this, Globalport Polo has assembled a formidable lineup. At its core is Barto Castagnola, at the moment ranked No. 2 on this planet, contemporary from victories within the Argentine Open and the UK Gold Cup. Alongside him is 17-year-old Beltran Laughle, a rising star and 6-goaler already making waves within the sport. Rounding out the group is American-born Lucas Alberdi, identified for his sharp strategic play.
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The US Open Polo Championship, organized by the US Polo Affiliation, has drawn the game’s high opponents for greater than 120 years. The match, held yearly on the Nationwide Polo Middle, is a 22-goal occasion—the best degree of competitors within the sport.
Globalport Polo’s entry marks a major breakthrough not just for the Philippines but additionally for Southeast Asian polo. No group from the area has ever performed at this degree, and its participation alerts a brand new period for the game in Asia. Polo has lengthy been dominated by groups from Argentina, the US and Europe, however Romero and his group hope to vary that narrative.
The rising world curiosity in polo can also be anticipated to shine a highlight on the Philippines. The 2024 US Open gained wider recognition by way of the Netflix sequence “Polo,” produced by Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
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