Classic polo gets resurrected in sporty new avatar

It was almost after 30 years that the city saw a few dapper polo players and their strikingly beautiful horses showcase their skills at the exhibition matches played in the city recently. A series of them were organised at Dever India on Poonamallee Bypass Road, featuring some polo aces, including AC Muthiah, to revive the sport in Chennai, which was once a hub for the equestrian sport. 

Who would believe that back in the 1950s and 60s Chennai was one of the most popular centres for polo, drawing players from all over the country. Recalling those days, industrialist AC Muthiah, says, “Back then, there were many grounds where the sport was played. 

These matches were held at the Island Grounds, inside Raj Bhavan, at the Officers’ Training Academy and the present-day golf course. In fact, we had a ground at our house.” 

With time and the real estate boom, the city was left with no space for polo and the craze eventually faded. Polo 2.0 Chennai is an initiative to bring the sport back into the limelight. Irshad Mecca, who was co-ordinating the event said “It was intended to give the city’s polo enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy the sport. 

We have invited players from other south Indian cities, like Hyderabad, Mysore and Bengaluru. Some of the best trained ponies have also been included. This event was a run-up to a bigger event we plan in the future. The friendly match was also a qualifier to select players for a tournament in Hyderabad.” He added, “Around 10 of my family members are in different kinds of equestrian sport. I wanted to do something to restore the sport’s lost glory.” 

The two exhibition matches on Sunday saw three players in each team. The audience got to see some fast-paced action. Eighteen-year-old polo player Anirudh Mavaji from Bengaluru said, “The sport requires a lot of dedication and hard work. I have been mentored by Lieutenant Colonel Faiz Siddique, who has guided me throughout. 

Events like this one can give us a chance to showcase our talent.” Kishore Futnani, who runs the Chennai Equestrian Academy, said, “It is a sport that requires good sponsorship and there has to be more awareness about it. Spaces have to be created to support polo and the horses have to be trained accordingly.”