November 5, 2001	Monday	haba’an 18, 1422

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LAHORE, Nov 4: Pakistan will bid to host the Zone `D’ matches of the World Cup polo to be held in November 2003, officials said.

A two-member Pakistani delegation comprising Pakistan Polo Association (PPA) chairman Maj Gen Khalid Naeem and Ishaq Khakwani, president of the Lahore Polo Club (LPC), will made the bid when International Polo Federation meeting takes place at Buenos Aires on Nov 27.

The delegation leaves for the Argentinean capital on Nov 23.

Ishaq Khakwani said Sunday that Pakistan had prepared a lucrative proposal which should attract the decision-makers.

He, however, admitted that the current political situation in the region was the biggest hurdle in convincing the officials of the international body.

He said that one country each from Africa, Australia and Asia (barring the subcontinent) would qualify for the Zone “D” matches after playing the qualifying round at their respective region.

From the subcontinent, Pakistan as hosts and India as the lone country will automatically earn qualification.

He said that President General Pervez Musharaf, who is also the president of the PPA, has extended his full backing for the bid as it would be a great honour for the country to hold such a big tournament.

Khakwani said that the Lahore Polo Club had hired the services of Zahid Bashir as marketing advisor.