The Jodhpur Polo & the Equestrian Institute is hosting Jodhpur’s four-week annual polo fiesta, that is scheduled to kick off from December 6.
Jodhpur is gearing up to host the 23rd Jodhpur Polo season 2022 at the Maharaja Gaj Singh Sports Foundation Polo Ground from December 6-31, 2022. Organised by the Jodhpur Polo & Equestrian Institute, this year’s season will see a total of four tournaments and nine one-day demonstration matches. The chief guest of the event will be HH Maharaja Gaj Singh II, the maharaja of Jodhpur since 1952.
“The Umaid Bhawan Palace Cup Polo will be a four-goal match held from December 6-8; the H.H. Maharaja of Jodhpur Cup an eight-goal match running from December 14-December 18; the Rajputana and Central India Cup and the Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup are both 10-goal matches, to be held from December 19-24 and December 27-31, respectively,” informs Kr Jangjeet Singh, the secretary of the Jodhpur Polo & Equestrian Institute about the details of the tournaments.
Welcoming the season, HH Maharaja Gaj Singh II said, “Jodhpur is the ‘alma mater’ of modern polo in India. It is home to the legends, both from the past and in-the-making. From a world-class ground to Marwar’s legendary hospitality, culture, and joie de vivre, the Jodhpur Polo Season 2022 is set to showcase the best of sporting and cultural heritage.”
“The polo fiesta is not just an instrument to promote tourism in Jodhpur. It is the friendliness of this place that makes it different from other polo destinations. We are hoping for a wonderful turnout with some of the world’s most renowned players and patrons,” he further added.
Continuing to be organised and conducted under the guidelines of the pandemic, this year’s season shall showcase the legendary camaraderie between the rider and the horse, the best of competitive polo, and spectacular events including the prestigious Army Commander’s Cup and the Indian Air Force Longewala Cup & Air Show.
Jodhpur has been the home ground for polo since the 19th century. The British Cavalry had picked up the sport (which is an integral part of the Blue City’s history and heritage) from Jodhpur itself. It was later transformed into a modern form, as we know it today, and taken to all corners of the British Empire.