To acknowledge and celebrate the players and all contributors to the sport of Polo world, TIPA pays a fitting tribute to the royal sport. While the sport has travelled the world, it also finds its modern roots in India and the royal connections that worked passionately to keep the sport going for years.
The TIPA awards event lauds the most illustrious contributions to Polo. The awards honour the uncompromising spirit dedicated to Polo, by recognising true sportsmanship, and people who have been unflinchingly and loyally contributing to the glory of the sport.
“The second Edition of LA POLO The Indian Polo Awards sheds light on the sterling contribution of all leading names as well as the background contribution of all professionals of the Polo world, from groomsmen to players and ponies, to the teams. The Awards provide a platform to celebrate the champions and achievers of the Polo universe without whom the magnificence of the sport wouldn’t have seen the light of the day,” said Maninder Singh, Editor-in-Chief, LA POLO.
TIPA is a fitting honour and recognition of each pillar of the Polo world that is responsible for the grand success of the sport and recognises the pioneering efforts of all contributors, who work ceaselessly to hone talent and achieve excellence in the sport.
The nominations and winners were based on the Indian Polo Seasons of 2020 and 2021. The winners:
The Most Valuable Polo Player Awar
Winner: Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur
All players in a polo team have defined roles. The value of a player to his team is not linked to goals, but rather how well the player has executed his role. The Award went to the most regal Sawai Padmanabh Singh who has pushed the benchmark in the sport.
The Promising Polo Player
Winner: Kuldeep Singh Rathore
The one who promises to carry forward the legacy of this royal sport and keep the spirit of the sport alive. The Promising Polo Player award went fittingly to Kuldeep Singh Rathore, who uplifts the game’s standards by his unflinching effort towards the sport.
Young Polo Player
Winner: Hurr Ali
The award for the Young Polo Player is for the player who strives in the face of every danger and is destined to emerge victorious at an early age. Amongst the brilliant nominations, the esteemed Award was lifted by Hurr Ali, also known as the “young gun”, for always putting in an outstanding performance.
Patiala The International Polo Player
Winner: Daniel Otamendi
Amongst the lineup of some cherished Polo players, Daniel Otamendi lifted the elite title of Patiala The international Polo Player Award aimed for those who endeavour a brilliant performance at all times.
La Polo Lifetime Achievement
Winner: Capt Amrinder Singh
This is for the one whose dedication to the sport has travelled through years, whose efforts and contributions to Polo have carried forward the legacy of the sport with unwavering devotion. The LA POLO Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon the revered Capt Amrinder Singh whose contributions to Polo have been remarkable.
Jodhpur Lady Polo Player
Winner: Monica Saxena
This prestigious award of Jodhpur Lady Polo Player is for the sportswoman who waded unafraid despite the challenges with panache and grace. The trophy was lifted by Monica Saxena for breaking barriers and setting higher milestones for more to follow
Jammu & Kashmir Army Polo Player
Winner: Lt Col Vishal Chauhan
The fathomless spirit of Lt Col Vishal Chauhan made him stand out among the nominations and was awarded the Jammu and Kashmir Army Polo Player award for the display of great valour and skill in the game.
Jaipur Polo Patron
Winner: Parul Rai and Vikram Rathore
The esteemed trophy of the Jaipur Polo Patron was lifted by Parul Rai and Vikram Rathore for their matchless contribution to the world of Polo.
Gwalior Best Pony
Winner: Rapper
The winner of the Gwalior Best Pony Award was Rapper for the supreme display of atheletic stamina, agility and speed, and ticking every such box on a perfect pony’s list.
Emerging Polo Player
Winner: Dino Dhankar and Vishwarupe Bajaj
Dino Dhankar and Vishwarupe Bajaj were the co-recipients of the Emerging Polo Player, an award which applauds the emerging champions, the future of Polo in the country.
Contribution to Polo
Winner: Naveen Jindal
This is a special award to one of the steadfast pillars of Indian Polo today. The winner of this award, Naveen Jindal, has been a brilliant Polo player and his contribuitions to the Polo universe is unmatchable.
Bhopal Pataudi Best Polo Ground
Winner: Jaipur Polo Grounds
Amongst other great nominations, the Bhopal Pataudi Best Polo Ground was bestowed upon the Jaipur Polo Grounds for its excellent maintenance that’s required to achieve memorable heights in the game.
Best Team High Goal
Winner: Sahara Warriors
Exemplifying the fiery spirit of the sport of Polo, the Best Team High Goal Award was recieved by Sahara Warriors for their impeccable sportsmanship, skilled performances and famed valour.
Best Team Low Goal
Winner: Army Service Corps (ASC)
Portraying the fearless energy and enthusiasm of the forces, the Best Team Low Goal Award was bestowed upon the Army Service Corps for their applause-worthy performances in Polo.
Baroda The Traditional Polo Player
Winner: Abdul Manaan
There is no greater virtue than to uphold the values instilled by the custodians of our heritage.Those custodians are the traditional players when it comes to Polo. The esteemed trophy was lifted by Abdul Manaan for his commendable efforts.
Alwar The Polo Trainer
Winner: Risaldar Bhawani Singh
Risaldar Bhawani Singh was awarded for his commendable behind-the-scene service.
Alwar The Polo Groom
Winner: Hanuman Vinayaka
Without these hard working Polo grooms working tirelessly on and off the fields, the sport of Polo is not possible. The Alwar Polo Groom Award was bestowed upon Hanuman Vinayaka for his efforts and devotion towards the sport.
Image Credits: LaPolo TIPA 2022 Press Collection
