As part of the training camp, the Indian team also participated in a special online strategy and rules session with acclaimed arena polo umpire and player Robin Sanchez from the USA
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Polo & Riding Club (HPRC) hosted a thrilling exhibition Arena Polo match between the HPRC Club Team and the Indian Arena Polo World Cup Team, marking the culmination of the national team’s intensive training camp held at HPRC’s state-of-the-art facility here on Thursday.
The Indian team has been undergoing focused preparations at HPRC in Hyderabad as part of their build-up to the Arena Polo World Cup Pre-Qualifiers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where they will face off against strong regional rivals Pakistan and Iran.
This high-stakes pre-qualifying tournament is a crucial step towards securing India’s place in the Arena Polo World Cup 2025, scheduled to be held later this year in Virginia, USA.
As part of the training camp, the Indian team also participated in a special online strategy and rules session with acclaimed arena polo umpire and player Robin Sanchez from the USA. The session focused on international standards of play, key rule interpretations, and tactical insights – providing invaluable guidance as the team prepares to compete on the global stage.
The exhibition match itself witnessed a spirited display of horsemanship, tactical play and camaraderie, as the home team, representing HPRC, went head-to-head with the Indian squad in a fast-paced and competitive game under lights at the HPRC Arena Polo Stadium.
Commenting on the event, Chaitania Kumar, Founder-President of Hyderabad Polo & Riding Club, said they were proud to host and support the Indian Arena Polo Team on their road to the World Cup.
“Our facilities are designed to match global standards, and we are delighted to contribute to India’s international ambitions in Arena Polo. This match was not only a celebration of the sport but also a testament to the growing stature of HPRC as a premier training ground for elite polo talent,” he explained.
The event served as a perfect send-off for Team India as they head to Riyadh to stake their claim for a place at the world stage.