- Three-day marquee event from January 2–4 positions Ahmedabad as western India’s polo capital
- Six men’s and two women’s teams promise elite, international-level competition
- Grand ceremonial parade, star performers and heritage showcases add regal flavour
- Over 30 top players, including former India captain, set for high-octane action
- Powered by Adani Group, tournament aims to become an annual cultural-sporting landmark
NE SPORTS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, DEC 22
In a significant boost to India’s royal sporting heritage, the Gujarat Polo Club will host the Ahmedabad Polo Tournament from January 2 to 4 at the Gujarat Polo Club Ground in Shela, aiming to revive polo’s legacy in the state and establish the event as western India’s premier annual polo tournament.
Conceived as a celebration that blends sport, culture and heritage, the tournament is designed to offer an immersive spectator experience beyond the field. Alongside competitive polo matches, the event will feature heritage installations, equine exhibitions, family-friendly zones and interactive engagement platforms for young enthusiasts. Three matches will be played on January 2 and 3, followed by two decisive matches on the final day.
The premier competition will see six men’s teams—Adani Archers, Jindal Panthers, KP Kings, Mayfair Polo, Arron Avatars and Burakia Barrons—compete for honours, while Apollo Aviators and Lions Den Legends will represent the women’s category. The teams were unveiled at a glittering ceremony in Ahmedabad earlier this week.
Speaking at the launch, Arpan Gupta, Promoter of Gujarat Polo Club, said, “The Ahmedabad Polo Tournament aims to honour India’s deep connection with polo and shape its future. Polo carries a regal legacy in the country, and Gujarat deserves to experience it firsthand. Our objective is to build not just a tournament, but a long-term cultural and sporting milestone for the region.”
Sanjay Paladia, Promoter of Gujarat Polo Club, underlined the broader vision behind the event, saying, “Polo is a tradition that deserves not only to be remembered but to be lived. The broader vision behind the tournament is to elevate polo in Gujarat and Western India to national prominence. Ahmedabad’s sporting culture, infrastructure, and growing equestrian community make it a natural home for this tournament. We want to revive the heritage of polo while creating a modern, world-class experience.”
Adding to the sporting significance, Jayvirsinh Gohil, Founder of Gohilwaad Polo Club and Gujarat’s only professional polo player, revealed the depth of competition on display. “More than 30 polo players are taking part in the tournament. Twenty-five of these players have competed at the international level. Viewers can expect highly competitive and thrilling action on all three days of this tournament. We are confident it will go a long way in popularising polo as a professional sport in Gujarat and India,” Gohil said.
Renowned players, including former India captain Dhruv Pal Godard, Siddhant Sharma, Simran Shergill, Syed Shamsheer Ali, Vivan Mehta, Syed Hurr Ali, Angad Kalaan and Nimit Mehta, are among the star attractions expected to draw polo aficionados from across the country.
The tournament will open on January 2 with a grand ceremonial parade, featuring all teams on horseback carrying illuminated sponsor and team flags. The opening ceremony will include a performance by 80 dancers and the Warrior Squad, known for its appearance on America’s Got Talent. The tournament trophy will be unveiled by actor and former Miss World, Manushi Chhillar.
Entertainment will remain a key highlight across all three days. Day two will showcase Bollywood dance performances and gravity-defying stunts by acclaimed dance crew V Unbeatable, while the final day will feature dance performances followed by a Mallakhamba demonstration and a futuristic Tron act. Musical performances will accompany matches throughout the tournament, complemented by curated fireworks displays.
The closing ceremony will feature synchronised fireworks, laser and light choreography, followed by an awards presentation honouring winners and standout performers on a specially designed stage reflecting polo’s prestige.
Powered by the Adani Group, the Ahmedabad Polo Tournament seeks to revive the “king of games” in Gujarat and lay the foundation for a lasting sporting tradition that bridges heritage, culture and elite competition.
