International Arena Polo off to a flying start at HPRC

Hyderabad: The high-voltage International Arena Polo Championship2024, featuring six teams, was off to a galloping start at the Hyderabad Polo and Riding Club (HPRC) in Aziznagar, Moinabad mandal, on Monday.

The entire HPRC complex came alive to what promises to be a pulsating fare that will continue till March 10, when the mega championship comes to a close.

The USA and host India are fielding two teams apiece while the other contenders for the coveted honours are Luxembourg and Spain.

The inaugural day featured three mixed knockout Matches (four chukkers). Incidentally, for the first time in Hyderaba history, four foreign teams will battle it out for arcana polo glory. Earlier, Organising Committee members and captains of the participating teams spoke to the media.

In what was a great tribute to the infrastructure facilities at HPRC and the ambience that typifies polo culture, United State captain Mr. Don Cox, his Spanish counterpart Mr. Acosta Puga Francisco Nicolas and Mr.

Edward Armstrong, President of American International Polo Foundation, declared it as the greatest polo riding club in India. Luxemburg captain Alexander Ludorf said that this was his maiden visit to India and the facilities at the venue were amazing. He added that the cuisine was quite fascinating.

Indian captain Arsalan Khan said that he was confident of exciting matches all through the championship.

Speaking on the occasion, HPRC President Chaitania R. Kumar said that they were particular that they had to develop facilities that were on par with global standards. This would ensure that HPRC is allotted premier international championships, he said.

Chaitania Kumar said that they would be bidding for the arena polo World Cup at HPRC, which will mark a major high for India.