England play India in international friendly
International polo will return to London this summer when England play India at Chestertons Polo in the Park. The June showdown between South Africa and England last year broke attendance records at the Hurlingham Club, while this year will see India return to the famous venue for the first time in over 70 years.
The Indian Team will be led by HH Maharaja Padmanabh Singh, who belongs to the Royal family of Jaipur.
He follows a bloodline of top international polo players including his Grand-Father, the late Maharaja Sawai Man Singhji Bahadur, who was a close poloplaying friend of Prince Charles. Joining HH in the team will be Shamsher Ali Khan (6), India’s highest rated polo player and Samir Suhag (5).
India and England share strong polo heritage links. The modern game is derived from Manipur, India, and was brought to from India to the UK by British Soldiers in the 19th Century. Shortly afterwards the governing body in the UK, the Hurlingham Polo Association, was formed and the first formal British rules were drawn up, many of which still exist today.
Managing Director of Sportgate International, Rory Heron, said: “India and England share a great deal of polo heritage and were instrumental in the growth of the sport around the world so to have both international teams at our event is a real privilege.
HH Maharaja Padmanabh Singh said: “It is a very special occasion for me personally as my family has had a long association with polo in the UK.