AN INFORMAL MEETING

 

I met with the famous polo player Wazir Kazim Sahib today at his home. Wazir Sahib's residence is located on the upper level of Shaheen Ground and at the very beginning of the road leading to Kharpocho Fort Skardu. The house is also a masterpiece of ancient and modern architecture. In front of it stands a 450-year-old ancient fort that is still standing in its original condition. The fort is neither dilapidated nor has its ancient decoration and ornamentation been altered in any way. Perhaps the architects of that time had put all their skills into this fort or had presented a high example of architecture.

Behind the fort is a modern house that makes extensive use of stone, while wood has also been used as needed. Wazir Sahib seemed like an encyclopedia when it came to information about horse breeds. He was telling me that the mare is superior in terms of good qualities and characteristics. In the polo ground, the mare always looks unique in her gait and demeanor. She is flexible and has a great ability to understand her master's commands. She is easily able to dodge the opposing horse.

Wazir Sahib has imported a pedigree horse from abroad which costs 8 lakh Pakistani rupees. Wazir Sahib also enumerated the qualities of this horse. He was saying that the said horse cannot speak, but all other qualities are like those of humans. In addition to the foreign horse, Wazir Sahib also keeps three horses, one female and two males.

From Wazir Sahib's knowledge and candid commentary on horses, I got the impression that there could be a great “Research” on horse breeds, and that researchers associated with “Zoology” can best carry out this type of research.

Recently, the Skardu polo team defeated the Chilas team by 8 goals to nil to win the Independence Cup after a gap of over a decade. Wazir Sahib was part of that winning team. As part of the winning team, Wazir Sahib expressed his happiness by performing a great “Dance” and went viral all over Gilgit Baltistan.

Last year, Wazir Sahib's Son Dibal Hassan was seriously injured in a polo match and passed away after several months of treatment. The recent victory of the Skardu team was also dedicated to Dibal Hassan as a tribute to him. Wazir Sahib said that at the age of just 17, Dibal had impressed everyone with his God-given talent. Polo was in his blood. He took to the field more as a “Learned” player than a “Taught" player.

While Wazir Sahib was talking about his son in a sad tone, he was also excited that no one could deny his son's talent. He confidently said that polo is an integral part of Skardu's culture and that he himself tries to play a prominent role in promoting this culture.

Basically, this meeting of ours was also a part of that series, in which we congratulated Wazir Sahib on becoming part of the winning team and encouraged him.

 Dr. Riaz Razee | November 30, 2023 | Skardu