‘Sport of kings’ to enthral Lucknowites in December

LUCKNOW: Headquarters Central Command is organising ‘Awadh Polo Week’ at Surya Khel Parisar (Old Butchery Ground) from December 8 to 14. The event is being planned under the guidance of Lt Gen Rajan Bakhshi, UYSM, GOC-in-C, Central Command, who himself is a polo enthusiast and an outstanding sportsman.

This year, seven teams are expected to participate in the mega event. These include Army Service Corps team from Bangalore, RVC team from Meerut, Indian Military Academy team from Dehradun, National Defence Academy team from Pune, artillery team from Nasik, 61 Cavalry team from Jaipur and a team from the navy. The league matches will be played on December 8, 9, 11 and 12.

The main event will be Army Commanders Polo exhibition match on December 10. Vintage car rally, dog show, motor cycle display, paramotor display and military band display would be added attractions. The most awaited event of the year, ‘Polo Ball’ will be held in Surya Officers Institute in the evening. Lt Gen GS Shergill, VSM, Chief of Staff, Central Command, is overseeing final details to make it a memorable event.

Lucknow has the unique distinction of being the first city

CENTRAL COMMAND HAS TAKEN THE INITIATIVE TO REVIVE THE SPORT IN THE CITY AND SURYA POLO GROUND IS BEING READIED TO HOST THE TOURNAMENT

to host Indian Polo Association Cup (Indian Open) in 1912. The city then had two polo grounds - one at La Martiniere College and the other opposite the MB Club. However, both fell into neglect.

The Central Command has now taken the initiative to revive and popularise the sport in the city and Surya polo ground is being readied to host the tournament. Fast paced and very exciting to watch, polo has strengthened the bond between Surya Command and citizens of Lucknow.

Many Indian polo team players will participate in the tournament. Maj Vishal Chauhan and Lt Col Ravi Rathore of 61 Cavalry have just played in China and did India proud. Brig SS Kashyap of Central Command represented Indian Army polo team in Poland last month and will be participating. Col GS Pandher and Lt Col Samanthray, both national level players are also expected to participate.

Entry for spectators will be absolutely free and maximum participation is expected to make the event a mega success.