About Us
Our Mission and Vision
The Polo Association of India (PAI) is the premier governing body for polo sports in India, headquartered in New Delhi. Established in 1892, we have been at the forefront of promoting and regulating polo across the nation. Our mission is to foster the growth of polo as a sport, preserve its rich heritage, and encourage participation at all levels, from amateur enthusiasts to professional players.
We envision a future where polo is accessible to everyone, recognized as a symbol of Indian equestrian tradition, and competitive on the global stage. Our efforts include organizing tournaments, training programs, and partnerships with international polo associations.
Polo in India dates back to the Mughal era, and we take pride in maintaining this legacy. Today, we oversee over 50 polo clubs nationwide, with more than 5,000 active members. Our association works closely with the Indian government and sports authorities to ensure the sport's development aligns with national sports policies.
We also focus on youth engagement through school and college programs, aiming to introduce the sport to the next generation. Our annual "Polo for Youth" initiative has reached over 10,000 students in the past five years, providing them with basic training and exposure to polo.
As part of our commitment to excellence, we maintain strict standards for player safety, horse welfare, and fair play. Our certified trainers and veterinarians ensure that all events adhere to international guidelines. Additionally, we support research in equine health and sports science to enhance performance and sustainability.
The Polo Association of India is more than just a sports body; it's a community of passionate individuals dedicated to the love of polo. We invite you to join us in this journey, whether as a player, sponsor, or fan. Together, we can elevate polo to new heights in India and beyond.
Our History
Founded in 1892, PAI has a storied history of nurturing polo in India. We've witnessed the evolution of the sport from royal pastime to competitive discipline. Our archives contain records of legendary matches and players who shaped Indian polo.
Achievements
Over the years, our teams have won numerous international championships, including the World Polo Cup in 2015. We've produced world-class players who represent India globally. Our efforts have increased polo's visibility in media and sports circles.
Partnerships
We collaborate with global organizations like the Federation of International Polo (FIP) and national bodies to promote cross-border tournaments. Our sponsors include leading brands in sports and lifestyle, supporting our initiatives financially and logistically.
Upcoming Events
National Polo Championship 2024
Join us for the premier national event featuring top teams from across India. The championship will be held at the Jaipur Polo Ground from October 15-30, 2024. Expect thrilling matches, cultural performances, and networking opportunities.
This year, we're introducing a new category for junior players aged 16-21, aimed at fostering young talent. The event will also include workshops on horse care and polo strategies. Over 20 teams have registered, with expected attendance of 10,000 spectators.
Sponsors include Tata Group and Adidas, providing prizes and merchandise. Media coverage will be extensive, with live broadcasts on sports channels. Tickets are available online, with discounts for members and students.
Register Now
International Polo Festival
A grand festival celebrating global polo, scheduled for December 5-12, 2024, in New Delhi. Teams from Argentina, UK, USA, and Australia will compete. The festival includes parades, food stalls, and equestrian exhibitions.
We aim to promote cultural exchange through sports, with side events like polo history seminars and art displays. The main match will be held at the India Gate grounds, with VIP seating for dignitaries. This event is partnered with the Ministry of Tourism.
Volunteer opportunities are available for enthusiasts. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to equine welfare charities. Early bird registration ends November 1, 2024. Don't miss this chance to experience world-class polo in the heart of India.
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Youth Polo Training Camp
A summer camp for aspiring polo players aged 12-18, running from June 1-15, 2024, in Shimla. The camp focuses on basic skills, horse riding, and teamwork. Certified instructors will provide personalized coaching.
Participants will stay at a dedicated facility with access to polo ponies and equipment. The camp includes theory sessions on rules and safety, along with practical matches. Scholarships are available for underprivileged youth, funded by our donors.
Past camps have seen over 200 participants annually, with many going on to join professional teams. Registration is limited to 50 seats, so apply early. Parents are invited for a closing ceremony and demonstration match.
Apply NowWe host over 30 events each year, ranging from local club matches to international tournaments. Our calendar is designed to cater to all levels of interest and skill. For a complete list, download our event brochure or visit our updates page.
Event planning involves meticulous coordination with venues, security, and medical teams. We ensure all events comply with safety protocols and environmental guidelines. Feedback from participants is actively sought to improve future events.
Membership Benefits
Becoming a member of the Polo Association of India opens doors to exclusive opportunities. We offer various membership tiers to suit individuals, families, and corporate entities.
Members enjoy priority access to events, discounts on merchandise, and voting rights in association matters. Our network includes professionals from sports, business, and academia, providing valuable connections.
We also offer training programs and certification courses for members. Whether you're a player, coach, or enthusiast, there's a place for you in our community.
- Free entry to all PAI-organized events
- Monthly newsletter with insider updates
- Access to member-only online portal
- Discounts on polo equipment and gear
- Invitations to exclusive networking dinners
Annual membership fees start at ₹5,000 for individuals, ₹10,000 for families, and ₹50,000 for corporate sponsors. Renewals are due every January. To apply, fill out the online form and submit required documents.
Our membership committee reviews applications within two weeks. Upon approval, you'll receive a welcome kit and membership card. For inquiries, contact our membership desk at [email protected] or call +91-11-26547891.
Latest News
PAI Signs MoU with Australian Polo Association
Published on May 15, 2024
We are thrilled to announce a memorandum of understanding with the Australian Polo Association to foster bilateral exchanges. This partnership will include player swaps, joint training camps, and collaborative research on equine health.
The agreement was signed in Sydney on May 10, 2024, by our president, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, and the APA chairman. This marks a significant step in strengthening India's global polo ties. The first exchange program is scheduled for August 2024.
We expect this collaboration to enhance competitive standards and cultural understanding. Future plans include a friendly match between Indian and Australian teams in December 2024. Media outlets have widely covered this development.
Read Full StoryNew Polo Academy Inaugurated in Chennai
Published on April 22, 2024
Our newest polo academy was inaugurated in Chennai on April 20, 2024, by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The state-of-the-art facility spans 10 acres and includes two polo grounds, stables for 50 horses, and modern classrooms.
The academy aims to train 200 students annually, with a focus on underprivileged youth. Courses range from beginner to advanced levels, certified by PAI. We've partnered with local universities to offer academic credits for polo training.
This initiative is part of our "Polo for All" campaign to democratize access to the sport. Funding came from corporate CSR programs and government grants. Enrollment for the first batch starts in June 2024; early applications are encouraged.
Read Full StoryOur news section is updated weekly with articles, press releases, and interviews. We cover topics from tournament results to policy changes. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.
We also publish an annual report detailing our activities, finances, and future plans. The report is available for download on our website. For media inquiries, contact our PR team at [email protected].
Contact Us
Get in Touch
We'd love to hear from you. Whether you have questions about membership, events, or general inquiries, our team is here to help.
Address
Polo Association of India
123 Polo Ground Road, New Delhi 110001, India
Phone
+91-11-26547890 (Office)
+91-11-26547891 (Membership Desk)
[email protected] (General)
[email protected] (Technical)
Office Hours
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM IST
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM IST
Closed on public holidays
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