The second chapter of the India International Women’s Polo Tour 2017 included a successful week at Nasr Polo in Hyderabad, India. Nasr Polo proudly hosted the first International Women’s Arena Night Polo Tournament from January 11-14. Team USPA members conducted a series of polo clinics for budding women polo players from all over India. “It’s been an exceptional week of women’s polo and we are all so impressed at the progression of the Indian ladies from the beginning to the end of the week,” said Team USPA member Stephanie Massey.
The week culminated in the finals of the first International Women’s Arena Night Polo Tournament and MP Cup. The MP Cup Final featured Team USPA and Nasr-India in a thrilling match which kept the audience glued to their seats with a rapidly changing score. Nasr-India composed of Team USPA players Stephanie Massey and Carly Persano, along with Indian players Sonia Jabbar from Delhi and Rajvi Rao from Hyderabad, defeated Team USPA 12-11.
In the first International Women’s Arena Night Polo Tournament, Nasr Polo Red composed of Team USPA players Audry Persano and Anna Winslow along with local Indian players Namrata Kishore from Chennai and Chaya Vaibase from Hyderabad defeated Nasr Polo Blue 12-11. “The ladies are a huge hit and making great strides. They coached two young women’s players in Jaipur and improved the game of four women in Hyderabad. The activity and excitement level is just amazing,” said USPA Governor at Large Steven Armour.
The India International Women’s Polo Tour also known as “Polo Yatra” is India’s national tour of international women’s polo organized by Huntré! Equine. It expresses the USPA-led initiative to support, develop and promote women’s polo in India. Following the tournament in Hyderabad, the women’s tour will continue in Imphal for the 2nd Manipur Statehood Day Women’s Polo Tournament (January 16-21) at the historic Mapal Kangjeibund Polo Grounds. Presented by the All Manipur Polo Association (AMPA) the tournament will feature four teams including Team USPA, Hurlingham Polo Association, Team India and AMPA Players of Manipur. Differing from last year’s tournament format, this year Team USPA will have the opportunity to compete as a team.