His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah started his Sunday morning joined by hundreds of other cyclists in the capital and ended the day witnessing a polo match between two Brunei teams.
Both sporting events were held in conjunction with his 50th anniversary on the throne, with the Golden Jubilee Cycling Expedition running concurrently with the weekly Bandarku Ceria initiative.
Joining the monarch yesterday morning were His Royal Highness Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel and HRH Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah.
“This would be the sixth time His Majesty has consented to join a cycling event during Bandarku Ceria,” said the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Halbi Hj Md Yussof. The minister added that it was a testament to the monarch leading by example by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“Cycling has become very popular among Bruneians, so I am happy that this event turned out well,” he added.
The cycling expedition started and ended at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien, where the sultan and other members of the royal family took their time to greet hundreds of well-wishers.
In the evening, Brunei’s young royals flexed their polo skills at the Royal Brunei Polo & Riding Club.
HRH Prince Mateen and HRH Princess ‘Azemah played for team Brunei against team Brunei 2 headed by YAM Pg Muda Bahar. The Sunday evening match ended with a tie, 6 – 6, with team Brunei leading the match in the first three chukkas.
The Golden Jubilee polo competition will see teams from Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines face off for the trophy. Open to the public, the matches will run until October 12.
Continuing the historic celebration, the official opening of the Sungai Kebun Bridge will be on October 14. The launch of the 750-metre link will also be marked by a procession of decorated floats and a fireworks display.
The public is also invited to the opening of the Sg Kedayan Eco-Corridor Park on October 22 where His Majesty is expected for a meet-and-greet with the public.