The Golden Mallet: Celebrating heritage, heroes and horses at the Indian Polo Awards 2026

The thundering of hooves against the turf and the sharp crack of a mallet meeting a willow ball are sounds that have echoed through the Indian subcontinent for centuries.

Last weekend (March 20, 2026), the spirit of this "Sport of Kings" was distilled into an evening of high glamour and deep reverence at the Indian Polo Awards, organised by La Polo.

While the trophies sparkled under the lights, the event served a much higher purpose: it bridged the gap between the sport’s storied past and its dynamic future.

In an era where digital speed often eclipses traditional craft, the awards reminded the world that polo is not just a game of chukkers but a lifestyle, a lineage, and a testament to the bond between man and horse.

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The silent architects: Grooms and Trainers

In the high-octane world of professional polo, the spotlight naturally follows the riders.

However, any seasoned player will tell you that a polo player is only as good as the "string" of ponies beneath them. This brings us to the unsung heroes of the circuit: the grooms and the trainers.

A polo pony is not born; it is made. The process of transforming a raw equine talent into a responsive, fearless athlete requires years of patient labour.

The recognition of Sangram Singh as Alwar The Polo Trainer Civil and Risaldar Chandra Mohan Singh of the 61st Cavalry as Alwar The Polo Trainer Army highlights the dual pillars of Indian polo training — the traditional civilian expertise and the disciplined military precision.

These men understand the psychology of the horse, teaching them to ignore the chaos of the field and lean into the pressure of a "ride-off."

Equally vital is the role of the groom. A groom is the horse’s primary confidant, therapist, and medic. They are the first in the stable at morning light and the last to leave after the evening rub-down.

When Prem Singh Rathod was named The Polo Groom, it was a poignant nod to the thousands of hours of unseen labour that keep the sport running.

Without the meticulous care provided by people like Rathod, the breathtaking speed of a pony like 11 14 (award received by Indian polo player Kuldeep Singh Rathore) — rightfully awarded The Polo Pony of the season — would be impossible to sustain.

The Indian roots of modern polo

To understand why these awards matter, one must look back at how India shaped the modern game. While versions of polo existed in ancient Persia and across the Steppes, the "modern" game as the world knows it was rediscovered by British tea planters in Manipur in the mid-19th century.

The locals called it Sagol Kangjei, a rugged, fast-paced version played on hardy Manipuri ponies. The first polo club was established in Silchar in 1859, and from there, the sport galloped across the globe.

This historical weight was felt during the ceremony as L Atangba Singh received the Baroda The Traditional Polo Player award, a title that honours those who keep the foundational spirit of the game alive, reminiscent of those early days in the Northeast.

From the plains of Manipur to the royal courts of Rajasthan, the sport evolved into a symbol of chivalry and strategic prowess. Today, that legacy is carried forward by the 61st Cavalry, the world’s last remaining horse-mounted cavalry regiment, and by the various regional clubs that act as guardians of the turf.

The modern vanguard

The current polo season has shown that the competitive landscape of Indian polo is more robust than ever. The excellence of the Army Polo and Riding Centre (APRC), awarded Polo Club of the Season, highlights the military's continued stewardship of the sport.

Simultaneously, the rise of Arena Polo, a more compact and spectator-friendly format, was celebrated with the Hyderabad Polo and Riding Club taking home the Arena Polo Club title.

Success on the field is often a matter of organisational synergy. The Achievers Polo Team dominated the high-goal circuit, earning the Jindal Polo Best Team High Goal, while the Jindal Panther Polo Team showcased their versatility by securing The Best Team Low Goal.

The focus on the next generation was also evident, with Jindal Panther being named the Best Junior Team, ensuring the pipeline of talent remains full.

None of this would be possible without the venues that provide a world-class stage. The Patrons Polo Club of Jaipur was recognised as the Best Polo Ground, a title that reflects the grueling work required to maintain a safe, fast, and level playing surface in the variable Indian climate.

The faces of the 2025 & 2026 polo season

The awards also celebrated the individuals whose skill and charisma define the contemporary era. Syed Shamsheer Ali was honoured with the La Martina Most Valuable Player award, a testament to a season defined by his strategic brilliance and goal-scoring prowess.

On the international front, South African national Christopher Mackenzie took home the US Polo Assn International Polo Player trophy.

The diversity of the sport was a major theme of the night:

The Lady Player: Dr. Shivangi Jai Singh was honoured for her contributions to breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated arena.

The Emerging & Promising: Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur received the Promising Polo Player award, while the youth movement was further solidified by Aryaman Singh and Savir Mehraj Godara, joint winners of The Young Polo Player.

Army Excellence: Lt Col Vishal Chauhan was recognised as J&K The Army Polo Player, bridging the gap between military duty and sporting excellence.

Behind every great match is a voice that translates the action for the stands. Colonel Shakti Singh Rathore, awarded Polo Commentator, has become the definitive voice of the season.

Patronage and a path forward

Polo is an expensive pursuit, requiring significant financial and logistical backing. The "Patron" is the lifeblood of the sport, often playing alongside the professionals they support.

This year, The Polo Patron award went to Jaipur, a city whose name is practically synonymous with the sport’s heritage. Mayfair was recognised as Lexus New Delhi The Emerging Patron, signalling fresh investment and interest in the game.

Perhaps most importantly, the Contribution to Polo award was presented to Parul Rai, co-patron of the Achievers polo team.

This recognition serves as a reminder that the sport survives not just through playing, but through the administrative, promotional, and philanthropic efforts of those who work behind the scenes to keep the stables open and the grass green.

(L to R), Syed Shamsheer Ali, Alejo Aramburu, Naveen Jindal, Shallu Jindal, Parul Rai, Vikram Rathore, Daniel Otamendi and Sangram Singh pose for a photograph as the Achievers polo team win the Best High Goal team, at the Indian Polo Awards held in New Delhi on March 20, 2026. Firstpost via La Polo

As the 2026 Indian Polo Awards concluded, the message was clear: Indian polo is not a relic of the past; it is a living, breathing entity.

By honouring everyone from the Polo Groom to the Most Valuable Player, the community acknowledged that the sport is an ecosystem.

At Firstpost, we extensively covered Indian polo through the 2024-25 season, first focusing on the origins of the sport, and then diving deep into the role of the Indian Armed Forces in reviving polo as well as the challenges the sport faces in the subcontinent.

Now we are in the middle of a new series of features focusing on the 2025-26 Indian polo season.