Chandigarh, Chandigarh Polo Association (CPA) under the aegis of nationwide polo governing body Indian Polo Association (IPA), will host two official seasons of IPA from December 1 to December 7 and from March 30 to April 5. Several Defence teams and national teams with international exposure will participate in these events at Chandigarh Polo Club at Khudda Ali Lahora.
Addressing a press conference organized at Chandigarh Press Club on Friday, CPA’s President Dilpreet Singh Sidhu said that IPA recognized Chandigarh Polo Club in the year 2024 to make Chandigarh a polo destination. Polo game has been played in India since 1956 in various cities including Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur. Polo tournaments in these cities are recognized by IPA at the national level. Now these events will also give recognition to Chandigarh as a polo destination. Sidhu informed that five defence teams from across the country, including 61 Cavalry, Artillery, ASC, RVS, Navy Polo, will participate in these events. Other prestigious national teams with international exposure will also compete for the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Arena Polo Trophy during the season.
Shedding light on the format of the game, Deepak Waliya, Executive Member said that the club offers world standard facilities for Arena Polo. It is a shorter format of polo which increases the understanding and reach of the game to the spectators. Arena Polo has proven to be more spectator friendly, easier to understand and safer for the youth to get into. The game has three-member teams playing on a smaller board field. It requires fewer polo horses to play. Overall, it is more attractive and accessible to the new spectators and players in the country.
A special Ladies Polo match will also be organized during the Arena Polo season in December 2024. Polo being a unisex sport, offers the freedom to cater both the categories. Young polo players from across the country have also been invited to the event for Under 21 tournament.