When we get to watch top international polo players galloping away on their stallions and know it’s going towards a charitable cause, it feels good, doesn’t it? The Asian Beach Polo Championship was held at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort this year to compete for the Princess PA’s Cup, celebrating a decade of Asia’s only charitable beach polo tournament. No wonder it’s been the most awaited event of the year, attracting local and tourists to join in on the celebrations. But it’s not only about the game. It’s also the fashion and luxury elements that make this event so memorable.
Not only did it successfully promote Hua Hin as a sporting destination, but it also raised awareness and donations for the Nabha Foundation under the initiative of the HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha. The funds raised from this event will go towards supporting underprivileged members of our community so they are able to live in better social harmony.
Dressing for a polo match can be a little tricky, especially under scorching hot temperatures, but we sure did see some A-list celebrities dressed to the nines, including the likes of Pattharapol Peungboonpra and Siriyos Devahastin na Ayudhya in their highly-esteemed polo outfits. Visitors also assembled floral-themed attire with creatively-chic hats for the occasion.
The afternoon kicked off with a grand opening including a parade of ponies and a speech by the governor. Also, this meant that the game was on! Beach polo is no exception when we talk about fashion. A horseback fashion show featuring celebrities with the latest collection from Santa Barbara and Misty Mynx took place. The tradition of the pony-ramp walks is certainly one of the highlights of the event and it perfectly fits with the spirit of the occasion.
The final polo match brought Thailand against a joint team: China/Korea. Whether you understand polo, let alone beach polo, the commentator did exceptionally well giving a live run of the match which made it thrilling to be so close to the action. The excitement level was on par when the players whacked the ball with their mallets and raced towards the goals. China/Korea took the PA’s Cup home with a score of 8-7. Indeed, it was a very neck-to-neck competition. Playing polo on sand is quite a challenge and both teams did a phenomenal job. That is what really makes it even more exhilarating to watch than field polo matches.
Not to forget, the free-flowing booze, fancy cocktails, See Fah Restaurant’s popular wontons and pad Thai, with our favorite mango and sticky rice fulfilled our taste buds. Fresh cold smoothies and velvety smooth ice cream were refreshing and a saviour from the heat. Apart from snacks and refreshments, visitors enjoyed getting some freebies from the booths.
There was also a Aloha-themed cocktail party for guests to enjoy the evening at the garden lawn to relax and mingle with each other. Guests also had the opportunity to make merit by participating in the auctions for fine arts from Hua Hin Artist Village and crafts from Nabha Foundation.
The polo tournament was supported by His Excellency former deputy prime minister Suwat Liptapanlop and jointly organised by B Grimm’s Chairman Dr Harald Link, Executive Director of Proud Real Estate Proudputh Liptapanlopm, and vice president of the Thailand Equestrian Federation Nunthinee Tanner. Together with B Grim Group, this year welcomed BMW Thailand and Santa Barbara as key sponsors.Charity AuctionThe Intercontinental Hua HinAsian Beach Polo 2019Beach Polo ChampionshipPrincess PA’s CupNabha FoundationPolo Match