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Gujarat to Host Revived Polo Tournament in Ahmedabad, Rekindling Royal Heritage

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 22nd 2025 at 9:19 GMT by The Hans India
      Locale: INDIA

Reviving a Royal Legacy: Gujarat’s Ahmedabad Polo Tournament to Reignite India’s Sporting Heritage
By The Hans India Staff Writer

In a bold effort to resurrect a forgotten chapter of India’s sporting past, the Gujarat State Government has announced a historic polo tournament that will kick off on January 2, 2025 in the vibrant city of Ahmedabad. Drawing on the region’s rich equestrian traditions, the tournament aims to bring the “reign of the king’s game” back to the public eye, while also positioning Gujarat as a fresh hub for polo in the country.

A Brief History of Polo in Gujarat

Polo, known as chukka in India, traces its roots to ancient Persia but was formally introduced to the Indian sub‑continent by the Mughals in the 16th century. The sport spread across princely states, with Gujarat’s princely courts—especially the courts of Baroda and Junagadh—acting as early patrons. The state's vast steppe terrain and the legacy of horse breeding made it a natural fit for the high‑velocity game.

After India’s independence, the sport gradually fell into decline as resources shifted to more modern sports and many historic polo clubs closed. In recent years, a handful of enthusiasts, including former national players and local equestrian breeders, have attempted to revive the game, leading to the creation of the Gujarat Polo Association (GPA) and the establishment of a new polo ground in Ahmedabad’s Kankaria Lake area.

The New Tournament: Structure & Objectives

Dates & Venue
- Start: January 2, 2025
- Duration: 12‑day event, concluding on January 13
- Venue: The newly renovated Ahmedabad Polo Club adjacent to the Kankaria Lake complex, which has been upgraded to a 400‑meter polo field with modern drainage and lighting facilities.

Participating Teams
The tournament will feature eight teams, both from India and abroad:
1. Rajasthan Royal Polo Club
2. Punjab Khalsa Polo Union
3. Kolkata Royalty Polo
4. Tamil Nadu Falcons
5. Uttar Pradesh Tigers
6. Gujarat Home Guards (the host club)
7. United Arab Emirates Polo Club (guest international side)
8. England’s Royal Polo League (a returning international team from the 2023 World Polo Conference)

Format
The format mirrors that of the World Polo Federation guidelines:
- Preliminary round robin stages
- Semi‑finals and finals played on a best‑of‑three series
- A Golden Match between the top two teams, which will decide the “Ahmedabad Trophy”.

Prize Money & Sponsorship
Total prize purse: ₹30 million (approximately USD 300,000), split between individual riders, team management, and supporting staff. The event is sponsored by Gujarat Tourism, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, and Hyundai Motor India, with a partnership with the National Polo Association to ensure adherence to international standards.

Why It Matters

1. Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Polo’s historical association with royalty and nobility is an integral part of Gujarat’s cultural narrative. By reviving the sport, the state aims to preserve “the ethos of the royal courts and the artistry of equestrian sports”—an effort that aligns with the “Revive Games Heritage” campaign led by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

2. Economic Development & Tourism

The tournament is expected to attract tourists from over 30 countries, boosting hospitality, local businesses, and promoting Ahmedabad as a destination for equestrian tourism. According to the Gujarat Tourism Board, a projected 10‑million visitor influx is anticipated, translating into a ₹50 million boost to the local economy.

3. Sports Infrastructure and Youth Engagement

The revamped polo ground has become a training hub for young riders aged 12‑18, providing them with professional coaching, veterinary support, and exposure to international standards. The Gujarat Sports Board reports that over 200 youths are currently training at the club, with an eye toward forming a “Gujarat National Polo Academy” by 2026.

4. International Collaboration

Bringing in international teams fosters cross‑cultural exchange and positions India as a viable destination for global polo events. This is part of a broader strategy outlined by the Polo Association of India to host the World Polo Championships in 2030, for which Gujarat is vying to host the Group A matches.

Key Voices Behind the Revival

• Dr. Ramesh Patel, Chairman of the Gujarat Polo Association, said:
  “Polo was once the heartbeat of Gujarat’s sporting culture. Re‑introducing it is not just about recreation; it’s about restoring our historical pride and showcasing our heritage on an international stage.”

• Sonia Jaiswal, Secretary, Gujarat Sports Board, added:
  “The tournament will provide an invaluable platform for our budding riders and simultaneously create a ripple effect for tourism, economic development, and international relations.”

• Kailash Mehta, former national polo captain, noted:
  “When the game is played with dignity and skill, it speaks louder than any modern sport. I am thrilled to see this revival in our state.”

How to Follow the Action

• Live Streaming: The Ahmedabad Polo Club will broadcast the matches on its official YouTube channel, with commentary in Hindi, English, and Gujarati.
• Social Media: Follow the event with the hashtag #AhmedabadPolo2025; updates will be posted on Instagram and Twitter.
• Official App: The Gujarat Sports Board has launched a dedicated app for real‑time scores, player statistics, and betting odds (where legal).
• Press Releases: Regular updates will be issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports every Friday throughout the tournament.

A Forward‑Looking Vision

The Ahmedabad Polo Tournament is more than a single sporting event; it is a statement of intent. By marrying heritage with modernity, Gujarat intends to:

• Re‑anchor polo as a mainstream sport in India.
• Generate sustainable economic benefits for local communities.
• Create a blueprint for reviving other traditional games across the country.
• Encourage international sporting diplomacy and forge stronger cultural ties.

In a world where high‑intensity sports often dominate headlines, the Ahmedabad Polo Tournament offers a refreshing pause—a chance to witness the elegance of a centuries‑old game, the thrill of a swift horse, and the camaraderie of riders from around the world, all against the backdrop of Gujarat’s sun‑lit fields. As the world watches, India may very well find a new chapter in its sporting narrative, one that proudly proclaims that the “king’s game” is back on the national stage.