The City Palace in Jaipur was filled with excitement and grandeur as distinguished guests, polo enthusiasts, and esteemed players gathered to celebrate the legacy and future of the sport. The Fourth Edition of The Indian Polo Awards (TIPA) was a resounding success, shining a spotlight on the hard work, resilience, and passion that keep the legacy of polo in India alive.
This year’s theme, Love Polo, Live Polo, Breathe Polo, encapsulated the relentless passion that fuels the game. Whether galloping across the field or working tirelessly behind the scenes, every individual involved in polo carries the torch forward. The Indian Polo Awards are a testament to this unwavering spirit, ensuring that the sport thrives for generations.
Adding to the prestige of the occasion, the event was hosted by His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh and Maninder S. Sethi, Editor-in-Chief of La Polo. With a strong emphasis on recognising outstanding performances in the game and acknowledging the unseen forces driving the sport forward, the night truly celebrated perseverance and dedication. The presence of the sport’s greatest figures further elevated the atmosphere, making an unforgettable evening.
Guiding the proceedings with poise and enthusiasm, ace polo commentator Sharad Saxena and model-actor Deepti Gujral set the stage for the event unfolding seamlessly with reverence and excitement. The grandeur of the venue, the impeccably dressed attendees, and the palpable anticipation in the air all contributed to a night that perfectly encapsulated the spirit and elegance of polo.
India’s polo landscape is evolving, with younger players bringing fresh energy while stalwarts continue to push the boundaries of excellence. Initiatives like TIPA celebrate this transition and ensure that the next generation receives the encouragement and visibility needed to sustain the sport’s legacy. Through platforms like these, polo’s timeless appeal is preserved while also adapting to the demands of a modern sporting culture.
This dedication to the sport was evident in every aspect of the evening—from recognising veteran players whose contributions have shaped polo’s history to introducing new award categories that honour emerging talent. With ‘Love Polo, Live Polo, Breathe Polo’ as its guiding philosophy, the awards reinforced the deep-seated commitment to nurturing polo at every level. The spirit of the game was not just celebrated but strengthened, paving the way for a vibrant future where tradition and innovation go hand in hand.
The award winners for Season IV were as follows:
- Baroda The Traditional Polo Player: Ghulam Mustafa
- Alwar The Polo Trainer (Civil): Mukesh Singh
- Alwar The Polo Trainer (Army): Hv Bittu & Nk Risaldar Abbas Ali
- The Polo Groom: Arif Khan
- La Martina The Lady Polo Player: Dr. Shivangi Jai Singh
- La Martina The Young Polo Player: Vishwarupe Bajaj
- Gwalior The Best Polo Pony: Sapo
- Bhopal Pataudi The Best Polo Ground: Rajasthan Polo Club
- The Polo Club of the Season: Jindal Polo and Equestrian Foundation
- 10. The Arena Polo Club of the Season: Hyderabad Polo and Riding Club
- Jammu and Kashmir The Army Polo Player: Lt Col. Vishal Chauhan
- The Promising Polo Player: Savir Mehraj Godara
- The Emerging Patron: Jaipur Polo Team
- The Polo Commentator of the Season: Sharad Saxena
- Contribution to Polo: 61st Cavalry
- The Best Junior Team: Udar Polo
- La Polo Lifetime Achievement Award: Jaipur Royal Family
- Jaipur The Polo Patron: ACHIEVERS
- The Best Team – Low Goal: Army Service Corps (ASC)
- The Best Team – High Goal: ACHIEVERS
- Patiala The International Polo Player: Santiago Marambio
- Jindal Panther The Most Valuable Polo Player: Abhimanyu Pathak
Recognising Excellence Across Categories
The recent awards ceremony celebrated the diverse aspects of polo, honouring not just players and patrons but also trainers, grooms, and rising talents. With the introduction of two new categories—The Arena Polo Club of the Season and The Junior Team—the event underscored a commitment to nurturing the sport’s future. Including these new awards was a testament to La Polo’s vision of broadening the recognition spectrum, ensuring that every vital contributor to the sport receives due acknowledgement.
Among the awardees were renowned figures who have left an indelible mark on polo in India and beyond. From recognising Ghulam Mustafa as the Traditional Polo Player to crowning Abhimanyu Pathak as the Most Valuable Polo Player, each accolade reflected an unwavering dedication to the game. Notably, the Jaipur Royal Family received the La Polo Lifetime Achievement Award—a tribute to their enduring contributions to polo’s rich legacy. Their commitment to the sport has been instrumental in keeping the tradition alive, and this honour solidified their unparalleled influence in the polo community.
A Jury of Distinction
Ensuring a fair and insightful selection process, the jury brought together seasoned experts, including R. Balachander, a veteran financial strategist and polo enthusiast, alongside Benjamin C. Araya, a former 10-goal player with a legacy in Argentine polo. Their collective wisdom guaranteed that each recipient was truly deserving of the accolade. The diverse expertise of the panel added credibility to the selection process, reinforcing TIPA’s role as an event of integrity and prestige.
Beyond the Awards: A Vision for Polo’s Future
Though the awards celebrated past and current accomplishments, the evening was also about influencing the future. A major event highlight was La Polo’s announcement of its inaugural Global Edition, featuring legendary player Adolfo Cambiaso on the cover. This is a significant step toward bringing Indian polo to the international forefront, reinforcing its relevance in the global sporting landscape. By positioning Indian polo worldwide, La Polo aims to elevate its profile and invite greater collaboration with international players and teams.
The event’s success was made possible with support from Jindal Panther Polo, Rajasthan Tourism, and Delta Polo by Aishwarya, along with esteemed partners such as Code Silver, Wedding Asia, La Martina, Paro, and Maison De Fouzdar. Their involvement underscored a shared commitment to preserving and promoting the sport’s legacy. The synergy between these partners and La Polo reflects the collective efforts to ensure the game’s continued growth and sustainability.
Polo in India: A Storied Legacy
Polo has long been synonymous with India’s royal heritage. Its origins trace back to ancient times, with the game evolving under the patronage of various Indian princely states. Over the centuries, the sport has flourished, blending traditional values with modern athleticism. Today, it continues to command reverence, attracting players from around the world.
With TIPA serving as a premier platform for recognition, the awards reinforce India’s role in the global polo community. The meticulous grooming of ponies, the rigorous training regimes, and the strategic gameplay all contribute to the sport’s grandeur, ensuring that it remains both an art and an athletic pursuit. The dedication behind the scenes is just as crucial as the prowess displayed on the field, making these awards a necessary celebration of all facets of polo.
Looking Ahead: The Future of TIPA and Polo in India
As Indian polo garners more international attention, events like TIPA play an instrumental role in raising awareness and garnering appreciation for the sport’s depth and heritage. With La Polo expanding its reach through the Global Edition, the spotlight on Indian polo has never been brighter. This newfound attention opens doors for international partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, and increased global participation.
Beyond just recognising achievements, TIPA serves as an impetus for continued excellence. Each year, the event builds upon its successes, refining its scope and impact. Adding new award categories, the involvement of international players, and the focus on grassroots development all indicate a promising trajectory for Indian polo. As the sport gains more traction, its influence will extend beyond royal circles, reaching a wider audience and inspiring new talent to take the reins.
With increasing investment in infrastructure, growing participation from younger players, and greater stakeholder support, the future of Indian polo stays vibrant. Once an exclusive pursuit of royalty, the sport is now opening doors to a broader audience, ensuring its longevity and sustained prestige. The infusion of modern technology, refined training techniques, and strategic event planning all contribute to polo’s continuous evolution in India.
The message was clear as the curtains fell on yet another successful season of The Indian Polo Awards—polo in India is not merely a sport but an ever-evolving legacy sustained by passion, dedication, and a deep reverence for its traditions. The awards night stood as a beacon of inspiration, reinforcing the commitment to nurturing talent and upholding the grandeur of this regal game.
With La Polo’s continuous efforts to spotlight the sport’s finest and extend its influence beyond borders, the future of Indian polo looks promising. As TIPA continues to set new benchmarks, it is not just about recognising past and present champions but also about shaping the future of polo. The road ahead for Indian polo is filled with opportunities, and with the right support, it is poised to achieve even greater heights.
