South Africa will face India in the Midlands International Polo Tournament
South Africa will face India in the main match of the first International Polo Tournament at the Lions River Polo Club in KZN Midlands. The match will be preceded by three curtain openings and is set to thrill all fans and spectators on May 6.
“We are delighted to host the Indian team and have been overwhelmed by the level of public interest in this event. Both teams will be at the 15-goal level and this balance of handicaps will ensure a very close and even game.” disputed match”, said Mark Davies, president of the South African Polo Association.
The Indian team will be captained by the 5th goalscorer, Colonel Ravi Rathore, who has represented India in five consecutive World Cups. Gaurav Sahgal (4), Salim Azmi (3) and Siddhant Sharma (3) will play alongside Ravi Rathore on the Indian team.
“The Indian Army consists of an incredible 1.4 million soldiers and the 61st Cavalry Regiment is one of the last active fully mounted fighting corps in the world. Most Indian polo players learn their skills equestrians from this elite Regiment of which Colonel Rathore is the commander,” Davies said.
The day’s program will begin at 10 am with an opening act between the youngsters, followed by a match between Ngunis and Ankoles. School teams made up of current and former children will play at noon before the big international event.
The match between India and South Africa will kick off at 13:30 and will conclude at 15:00 and will be followed by a live band performance.
Rathore is the commander,” Davies said.
Exciting and exhilarating international polo is coming to central Kwa-Zulu Natal on May 6 this year! The SA Polo Association has invited a 15-goal team from India to play a South African team at Lions River Polo Club in the action-packed inaugural Midlands International Polo on Sunday 6 May 2018. This date has been chosen for coincide with the hugely popular Hilton vs. Michaelhouse collegiate rugby clash which takes place the day before, Saturday, May 5, at Michaelhouse. This International promises to be a day of exciting and fun-filled entertainment. The day will start with a children’s match between the Elands and the Bushbuks at 10:00, which will show the younger generation who will be the future stars of South African polo. This will be followed by a curtain opening match between the Nguni and Ankole teams at 11:00am and then, in keeping with the weekend rivalry at 12:00pm, there will be an opening polo match of the curtain Hilton vs Michaelhouse. The main match between South Africa and India will take place at 13:30, followed by the award ceremony. There will be a live band (Angus) playing for a couple of hours from the conclusion of the awards ceremony to round off a fantastic day of polo and fun.
Tickets are available in the form of pre-sold picnic sites or general access which can be purchased at the gates that day. Details of these can be seen below. You are welcome to bring your own food and drink, but there will be public catering, cafe and public bar services available on the day (listed below).
The SA Polo Association would like to thank Grindrod Bank, Jonsson Workwear and SMG Jaguar Land Rover Pietermaritzburg for their support of this event.
