The Hyderabad Polo & Riding Club (HPRC) hosted an international arena polo tournament where teams from various countries participated. Originally planned as separate women’s and mixed tournaments, it merged into one due to some teams dropping out. The USA and India each entered two teams, competing against Spain and Luxembourg.
In addition to the main tournament, there was a women’s exhibition match celebrating International Women’s Day, with US and Indian players joining forces. The finals saw USA-1 triumphing over India 2, with a decisive 15-8 victory. The event drew dignitaries and enthusiastic crowds, including IPS Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, K. Sreenivasa Reddy, and US Consul General Jennifer Larson.
Professional umpire Robin Sanchez ensured fair play, and plans are underway to continue using professional umpires and conducting umpiring clinics at the club. Participants lauded the event’s organization and the opportunity to compete internationally, expressing gratitude for the experience and friendships formed.
Ed Armstrong of the American International Polo Foundation (AIPF) praised the event’s success, thanking all involved and expressing hopes for future international tournaments at HPRC. Chaitania Kumar, HPRC President, aims to elevate the club’s polo standards and potentially host the FIP World Arena Championship in the future.
