The second edition of Thai Polo Argentina has begun, with ten teams taking part in the tournament. The final is scheduled for November 27.
“It is an honour to be able to repeat the tournament after bringing it to life last year,” says Manuel Cereceda, manager of Thai Polo. “The fact that all of last years teams are playing, and that four extra teams also joined the tournament this year, is fantastic.”
“Every team has signed up again this year mainly because of how we treat our patrons on and off the field: The presentation of the tournament, that fact that each team has their bag, shirt, cap, that they all feel looked after, and all the events we organise during the tournament,” continues Cereceda. “And the location we have really helps. We have exceptional fields and a great organisation – it makes them want to come back.”
Harald Link, owner of Thai Polo, adds: “I was very happy that six teams wanted to play last year; it was more than I had hoped for. Manu and Valeria are great organisers and everyone enjoys how it is done. I hope everyone enjoys their time here this year. We want people to have fun and create a competitive tournament, but a safe one too. Every player knows that it must be a safe game. Almost all the patrons know each other, as do the players, so it should be great fun. We will host some events and parties. All in all, this is what it’s about: having fun, playing with friends and enjoying the tournament.”
Thai Polo Argentina has one polo field, but La Virgencita’s field is also available for the tournament. “Thanks to José Kalil, owner of Sao Jose, we have two more fields this year, so we have four fields in total,” tells Cereceda.
The tournament counts with many sponsors, but one in particular stands out. “The support of the Thai Embassy is a great help because Thai Polo wants to position itself in the Argentine polo circuit and the support of the Embassy is important,” says Cereceda. “They are also happy to have joined us in this venture.”
Lastly, Harald Link tells PoloLine how his passion for the sport developed. “There was a great financial crisis in Asia in 1998, and naturally in Thailand too. That was when I started to play polo. It was something that, to some extent, saved my life. It was a very difficult time in my life and polo was my escape.”
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