The President’s Bodyguard (PBG) Parade Ground at the Ridge Forest, opposite Gate No. 28 of The President’s Estate, holds a prestigious place as the cradle of competitive polo in India. This historic ground has nurtured renowned polo players such as Col. Billy Sodhi and Brig. V.P. Singh. Among its notable alumni are contemporary polo personalities like Navin Jindal, Simran Shergill, Uday Kalaan, Angad Kalaan, Samir Suhag, and Naveen (Noddy).
As part of the 250th Anniversary Celebrations of the PBG in 2023, a unique outreach initiative was launched under the guidance of Brig. B.D. Mishra (Retd), Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. A team of 10 girls from Ladakh received foundational polo training at the PBG Parade Ground.
Building on this initiative, 11 girls from Kargil, Ladakh, recently completed foundation-level polo training at the PBG from 25 October to 30 November 2024, under the guidance of riding and polo instructors led by Col. Amit Berwal, Commandant of the PBG. Among the participants, Rehana Akhtar was named ‘Best Student,’ while Stanzin Nyidon received the award for ‘Most Promising Student.’
On 30 November, the team witnessed polo matches and was honored by officials of the Indian Polo Association, including Rajesh Sahagal, Jai Shergill, and Deepak Udar, at the Jaipur Polo Ground.
Ladakh Polo
Polo, with its masterful flicks and strategic maneuvers, has been an integral and cherished tradition in Ladakh for centuries. The region’s people have preserved this sport and successfully passed it down through generations, ensuring its survival and growth. Today, Ladakh is taking strides to modernize polo while staying rooted in its cultural heritage, particularly by encouraging younger talents, including girls, to participate in this exhilarating game.
Recognizing the vital role of women in sports, the Ladakh government has launched initiatives to empower young girls and women to break barriers and embrace polo, traditionally dominated by men. These efforts include specialized camps, upgraded infrastructure, and tailored training programs designed to meet their specific needs and support their development in the sport.
A recently organised polo camp in Ladakh saw an enthusiastic turnout of girls from across the region. The program introduced them to the fundamentals and technical aspects of the game, sparking a newfound passion for the “king of sports.” These opportunities, provided by the Ladakh government and supported by the Government of India, are paving the way for a new generation of queens in polo.
Such initiatives reflect the region’s commitment to preserving its cultural legacy while promoting gender equality. By empowering women and creating equal opportunities, Ladakh ensures that polo not only thrives but also remains a vibrant part of its identity for generations to come.
