The HPRC training camp from April 5 to 12 is in preparation for the zone ‘E’ playoffs of the II FIP Arena Polo World Championship
Published Date – 6 April 2025, 12:10 AM
HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Polo & Riding Club (HPRC) is hosting the Indian National Arena Polo Team for an intensive training camp from April 5 to 12 in preparation for the zone ‘E’ playoffs of the II FIP Arena Polo World Championship.
The pre-qualifiers are scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia from April 21 to 26, with India competing against Pakistan and Iran for a coveted spot at the World Championship in the United States later this year.
Indian Polo Association (IPA) confirmed the selection of a 10-12 goal team, chosen by the selection committee under the chairmanship of Lt Gen Rajinder Dewan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd). The selected players and their arena handicaps are: Sawai Padmanabh Singh (+5), Shanmsheer Ali (+5), Hurr Ali (+3), Naveen Singh (+4), Lt Col Vishal Chauhan (+3) and Nk Ravinder Mang (+2).
The team will undergo focused training at HPRC’s floodlit international-standard sand arena, widely regarded as one of the best-equipped arena polo facilities in Asia.
Chaitania Kumar, founder-president of HPRC, said that it was a proud moment for Hyderabad and Telangana to welcome the Indian team.
“Their presence here not only puts the spotlight on HPRC but also aligns with our long-term vision — to bring the 2027 FIP Arena Polo World Championship to Hyderabad. With the right support and international collaboration, this is well within our reach,” he said.
A formal proposal has been submitted to the Advisor (Sports), Government of Telangana, requesting that an official state delegation attend the pre-qualifiers in Saudi Arabia. This delegation would represent Telangana and support Team India on the global stage, initiate diplomatic engagement with FIP officials to lobby for Hyderabad as the host city for the 2027 edition of the Arena Polo World Championship.
