Jaipur: The fourth season of The Indian Polo Awards (TIPA) returned in full grandeur at the iconic City Palace in Jaipur, where the sport’s brightest stars were honored in a star-studded evening. Organized by La Polo, this prestigious event recognized outstanding contributions to the sport across 22 award categories, celebrating the dedication and achievements of players, teams, patrons, and supporters of polo.
The event was co-hosted by Padmanabh Singh and Maninder S Sethi, editor-in-chief of La Polo. The occasion was graced by the crème de la crème of the city, along with supporters, patrons of the game, and esteemed polo players, making it a grand celebration of the sport. The event was deftly moderated by ace polo commentator Sharad Saxena and model and actor Deepti Gujral.
In his address, Padmanabh Singh said, “The Indian Polo Awards is a remarkable initiative to recognize those who have contributed significantly to the growth of the sport and its rich heritage. I am honored to support La Polo in this endeavor and believe that such recognitions will inspire the entire polo community to continue elevating the game.”
Maninder S Sethi, editor-in-chief of La Polo, added, “India, as the birthplace of modern polo, has long been home to a rich polo heritage, yet the broader ecosystem that nurtures and sustains the sport has not always received the recognition it truly deserves. While the spotlight often falls on the players and patrons who make the game so exhilarating, it is the intricate network of support—from dedicated trainers and skilled groomers to the teams working tirelessly behind the scenes—that truly fuels polo’s success. This ecosystem, though sometimes in the shadows, is as integral to the sport’s growth and global standing as the players themselves. This recognition of both the shining stars and the unsung heroes is essential to celebrating polo in its fullest form.”
A key highlight of the evening was the introduction of two new award categories: The arena polo club of the season and the junior team, marking the event’s ongoing commitment to broadening the scope of recognition in Indian polo.
Award Winners for Season IV
- Baroda the traditional polo player: Ghulam Mustafa
- Alwar the polo trainer (Civil): Mukesh Singh
- Alwar the polo trainer (Army): Hv Bittu & Nk Risaldar Abbas Ali
- The polo groom: Arif Khan
- La Martina the lady polo player: Dr. Shivangi Jai Singh
- La Martina the young polo player: Vishwarupe Bajaj
- Gwalior the best polo pony: Sapo
- Bhopal Pataudi the best polo ground: Rajasthan Polo Club
- The polo club of the season: Jindal Polo and Equestrian Foundation
- The arena polo club of the season: Hyderabad Polo and Riding Club
- Jammu and Kashmir the Army polo player: Lt. Col. Vishal Chauhan
- The promising polo player: Savir Mehraj Godara
- The emerging patron: Jaipur polo team
- The polo commentator of the season: Sharad Saxena
- Contribution to polo: 61st Cavalry
- The best junior team: Udar Polo
- La Polo lifetime achievement award: Jaipur Royal family
- Jaipur the polo patron: Achievers
- The best team (low goal): Army Service Corps (ASC)
- The best team (high goal): Achievers (Jaipur)
- Patiala the international polo player: Santiago Marambio
- Jindal Panther the most valuable polo player: Abhimanyu Pathak
The esteemed jury for the awards included R Balachander, former senior advisor at Ernst & Young, and polo star Benjamin C Araya, a former 10-goal player and the youngest to win the Argentine open until 2020. Their expert knowledge of the sport and processes guided the selection criteria and ensured that the right winner was chosen.
The Indian Polo Awards Season IV was powered by Jindal Panther Polo and co-powered by Rajasthan Tourism and Delta Polo by Aishwarya. Additional support came from Code Silver and Wedding Asia as associate partners, La Martina as category sponsor, Paro as pouring partner, and Maison De Fouzdar as gifting partner.
In a major announcement, La Polo launched its first-ever global edition, featuring one of the sport’s finest players, Adolfo Cambiaso, on the cover. This global expansion marks a milestone for La Polo, establishing its presence in the international polo community and further amplifying its mission to celebrate and elevate the sport across the globe.
La Polo continues to be a premier platform dedicated to the celebration of polo, its players, and the vibrant community that supports it. With in-depth coverage and exclusive stories, La Polo has become the cornerstone for polo enthusiasts not only in India but around the world, offering a deeper appreciation of the game—from thrilling field competition to the tireless work behind the scenes.
Source: PoloHUB Read More