The Hindu : Sport / Polo : Top outfits for Hyderabad season

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Wednesday, Sep 03, 2008
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Top outfits for Hyderabad season

HYDERABAD: The 2008 Hyderabad polo season, to be conducted under the aegis of Bison Riding and Polo Institute (BRPI), will be held at the Bison Polo grounds from September 7 to 21.

According to Maj. Gen. Rajesh Singh, GOC, 54 Infantry Division, there will be three major tournaments — the AP Tourism Trophy, Army Commander’s Trophy and Prince of Berar Cup,

Some of the best outfits in India such as Presidents Bodyguard, 61st Cavalry and Artillery Centre Nashik as well as local teams AP Riding Club and HPRC will be seen in action.

“The Army is launching ‘Mission Olympics’ along with the Equestrian Federation of India and Indian Polo Association (IPA). Our objective is to get into the equestrian events in the next Olympics,” Maj. Gen. Rajesh said here on Tuesday.

“We are also involved in the preparations for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and plan to host many big events in the run-up to the Games,” he said. “To promote local talent, lower goal handicap events are being introduced this time around besides the regular eight- and six-goal handicap events,” he said.

Siraj Attari, South Zone steward of Indian Polo Association, said that most of the internationals would be seen in action in this event which carries a cash prize of Rs. one lakh for the eight-goal event, Rs. 30,000 for six-goal and Rs. 20,000 for four-goal.

Academy

“We are also pleased to announce that the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, has decided to earmark 20 acres of land for establishing a full-fledged, world-class polo academy in Hyderabad,” Siraj said.

Siraj also thanked the Ministry of Tourism, Andhra Pradesh government and Taj Krishna for being the main sponsors of this year’s edition.

Veer Vijay Singh, Director (Operations), GVK Group of Hotels, said that as a tribute to N. Prathik, one of the best horsemen from Hyderabad who passed away in a tragic road accident this February, the Taj Krishna Hotel of the GVK Group would sponsor the trophy for an exhibition match to be played on September 21. — Principal Correspondent

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