Polo, often referred to as the “Sport of Kings,” is deeply embedded in India’s cultural and historical fabric. From its origins in Manipur to its elevation as a sport of prestige by the British and princely states, the game has travelled through centuries.
Yet, its survival today owes much to the steadfast commitment of the Indian Army, which has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting polo as a national treasure.
In
our earlier feature, we explored the basics of polo and its growth potential in India.
Now, we delve deeper into the sport’s unique ties with the army, the historic contributions of the 61st Cavalry, the efforts of the Indian Polo Association (IPA), and the potential for private sponsorship to secure polo’s future in India.
The Indian Army has been the bedrock of polo in India, ensuring its survival through tumultuous times.
Following India’s independence, the decline of princely states and their financial support for polo left a vacuum. The Army, recognising the cultural and strategic importance of equestrian skills, stepped in to sustain the sport.
One of the Army’s significant contributions has been the provision of infrastructure. Veteran polo player Syed Shamsheer Ali, highlighted the Army’s contributions, telling Firstpost, “The Indian Army is the one who’s helped polo over the years. They have the grounds and facilities. It’s because of them that polo is alive in India.”
“We are playing polo on the army ground, army facilities because they support us. Without their support, polo would exist only in a few pockets,” added Ali, who was also awarded the ‘most valuable player’ trophy at the Col. Girdhari Memorial Polo Cup held from November 26, 2024 to December 1, 2024 in the national capital.
Across India, military establishments maintain some of the country’s finest polo grounds, allowing tournaments and practice sessions to thrive. The Army also provides training facilities for its officers, many of whom become skilled players and represent India in national and international tournaments.
Polo’s integration into the Army’s ethos is not merely recreational. Equestrian activities, including polo, enhance physical fitness, decision-making, and team spirit among personnel.
“Polo by the army is not only a sport, it’s also military diplomacy. It’s an Indian sport. It’s our sport, our gift to the world. We must look at it like that,” Colonel Navjit Singh Sandhu, former commander of the 61st Cavalry and ex-captain of the national polo team, tells Firstpost.
Joint polo tournaments with international military teams help foster goodwill and strengthen bilateral relations, stated Sandhu. These tournaments often draw large audiences, exposing new generations to the sport.
Moreover, the Army’s commitment to polo goes beyond just maintaining traditions. By organising and participating in major tournaments, such as the Indian Open and President’s Cup, it ensures the sport remains competitive.
These events often serve as showcases for talent and bring together civilian and military players, creating a unique camaraderie that sustains the polo fraternity.
The 61st Cavalry is a jewel in India’s military heritage, embodying the glory of the cavalry era. Formed in 1953 by merging the Mysore Lancers, Jodhpur Lancers, Gwalior Lancers, part of Patiala Lancers, and the Saurashtra Cavalry, this regiment carries forward the traditions of horse-mounted warfare while embracing its role as a guardian of polo. It is one of the world’s last remaining active horse-mounted cavalry units.
Historically, these lancers were involved in significant battles, such as
the World War I campaign in Haifa, where Indian cavalry units achieved remarkable victories.
Putting a spotlight on the Army unit and its association with the sport of polo, Lt Col Atul Gupta (Retd), having served in the 61st Cavalry, gives some insight: “So how it went was that initially the British army was based around irregular cavalry forces of the state forces like the royal families. So initially the ‘sawar’ [a trained soldier on horseback] had to bring his own weapon and own horse to be part of the irregular cavalry of the royal state forces.”
“So from there it started as a means of training during peacetime and then it picked up as a sport and then individual royal houses started playing it as part of their army irregular cavalry and then after independence when there were no more state forces, the 61st cavalry was created,” Gupta, who is also the executive committee member of Delhi zone at the IPA, tells Firstpost.
After the mechanisation of the Army reduced the operational role of horses, the 61st Cavalry became a ceremonial unit. However, its role in polo kept its traditions alive, making it a global symbol of India’s equestrian culture.
Today, the regiment plays a dual role: it upholds India’s cavalry traditions and fosters young polo talent. Officers of the 61st Cavalry are trained rigorously in equestrian disciplines, ensuring they excel on the polo field.
The regiment also breeds and trains horses for polo, contributing to the sport’s infrastructure in a country where equine management is a significant challenge.
The 61st Cavalry’s involvement in polo goes beyond playing. It organises tournaments, often in collaboration with the Indian Polo Association, and ensures that the sport’s visibility is maintained in key cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Hyderabad.
The Indian Polo Association (IPA), established in 1892, is a central figure in the administration and promotion of polo in India. As the world’s oldest polo association, the IPA has a legacy of setting standards for the game. It was instrumental in formalising the rules of modern polo, distinguishing it from its tribal versions played in India and other parts of Asia.
Post-independence, the IPA worked closely with the Indian Army and princely states to sustain the sport.
“IPA is the oldest polo association in the world, the first polo club in the world was established in Calcutta. It was through the IPA that we formalised rules for modern polo, differentiating it from the tribal version played in Manipur,” Deepak Udar, North India IPA steward, tells Firstpost.
Over the decades, it has evolved to address new challenges, such as attracting younger players, securing sponsorship, and expanding polo’s reach
beyond elite circles.
Speaking on the restricted growth of Polo in India, Rajesh Sehgal, chairman of the Polo Tournament Committee reveals that the sport has not met expectations as far as growth was concerned.
Speaking on the IPA’s role in securing sponsorships, Sehgal tells Firstpost, “Polo is an expensive sport. It requires significant investment, not just for players but also for maintaining the horses and grounds. Over the years, corporates have stepped in, but not as much as one would expect.”
One of the IPA’s significant contributions has been its focus on tournaments. Events like the Indian Open Polo Championship, IPA National Polo Championship, and the Northern India Polo Championship serve as platforms to showcase talent. These tournaments are critical in maintaining the sport’s visibility and competitiveness.
The IPA also collaborates with private teams, military units, and foreign clubs to foster international exposure for Indian players. By facilitating these partnerships, it helps Indian polo enthusiasts connect with global trends in the sport. However, despite these efforts, the IPA faces significant hurdles in making polo more inclusive and financially sustainable.
Polo is an inherently expensive sport, and its reliance on private sponsorship is essential for long-term growth. The costs of maintaining horses, hiring skilled players, and managing high-quality grounds are prohibitive. While the Army and the IPA have sustained polo to a large extent, private investment is crucial to elevate the sport to new heights.
Corporate-backed teams like the Jindal Panthers, Jaipur Polo Team, and Sahara Warriors have set benchmarks in this regard.
Expressing optimism, Naveen Jindal, owner and a polo player himself for the Jindal Panthers Polo team, tells Firstpost, “Jindal Steel has been promoting polo for almost 30 years now. We have very good polo facilities where lots of youngsters are training. It’s our love for the sport and it’s our commitment to the sport.”
The Jindal Polo estate in Noida has been touted as one of the leading pioneers of the sport in recent times.
“Polo is India’s gift to the world. So it is our responsibility to keep the traditions alive, to keep this sport growing in this country. And I think it has a great future,” added Jindal, who is also currently serving as a third-time Member of Parliament from Kurukshetra, Haryana.
These teams not only invest in world-class facilities and horses but also bring a professional approach to managing tournaments and talent.
A private polo team already in the fray is the Delta Polo team led by patron Dr. Aishwarya Paliwal who tells Firstpost, “We’re ensuring Polo’s growth and visibility. Under my leadership, We have emerged as key sponsors of Indian Polo, recognising its cultural significance and potential, especially given its origins in Manipur. My vision is to strengthen the sport’s presence in India.”
Another new entrant to the polo scene in India is Anay Shah, a polo player as well as the patron of the Mayfair Polo team. The 26-year-old is positive that polo will grow in India, telling Firstpost, “All the equestrian sports in India from when I was a child to now, the level has just increased. It’s gone from 0 to 100 in the equestrian sports and polo as well as racing. It’s at an all-time high and it can keep growing and keep getting bigger. So that’s what we look forward to in India”
Their involvement has added glamour and visibility to the sport, attracting audiences and potential sponsors.
However, the scale of private investment remains limited compared to countries like Argentina or the UK, where polo enjoys widespread popularity.
Highlighting this, Vikram Rathore, Indian Ambassador to the Federation of International Polo tells Firstpost, “For the last couple of decades, it’s been private corporate sponsorships that have helped support the sport, although much more of it is needed.”
“We need a huge infrastructure in terms of horses, in terms of grounds, in terms of coaching, in terms of training and tournaments to have a very healthy ecosystem for the growth of the sport,” added Rathore, who is also the patron of the Achievers Polo team.
India needs a more robust ecosystem where corporate sponsors, media, and local governments collaborate to promote the sport. Sponsorships can also drive talent development programs, ensuring a steady pipeline of young players who can compete internationally.
Despite its rich history and Army support, polo in India faces several challenges. The sport’s exclusivity has limited its appeal to a niche audience, often alienating the broader public. Expanding its fan base requires strategic efforts, including better media coverage and grassroots initiatives.
Infrastructure development is another critical area. While cities like Delhi and Jaipur have well-maintained polo grounds, smaller towns with a history of equestrian culture often lack such facilities.
Expanding polo’s fan base is another challenge. Sehgal pointed out that while finals in cities like Jaipur and Delhi attract large crowds, league matches remain relatively ignored: “Unfortunately the media also hasn’t given polo the due importance that it should get.”
Investments in training centers and academies can bridge this gap, making polo accessible to young talent from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, India needs to strengthen its international presence in polo. While Indian players have made a mark, the country’s standing in global rankings lags behind top polo nations.
Urging players to join the sport, Sandhu tells Firstpost, “It’s our own sport. And if you have the passion, you can do it. For anybody and everybody who has the passion, has the resources.”
“The moment we do that, you suddenly find that the entire economics of it changes.”
Even though the Indian Army, the 61st Cavalry, and the IPA have done commendable work in keeping this sport alive. To ensure polo thrives in the 21st century, broader efforts are required.
In doing so, the country will not only preserve a centuries-old tradition but also inspire a new generation to take up this remarkable sport.
As Sehgal, a figure who has been playing polo as well for the last four decades, put it: “Polo is the only sport where two living things are in tandem. And combined, they are on the ground playing a competitive sport.”
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Exclusive | Keeping polo alive in India: A legacy sustained by soldiers, sponsors, and passion
