Hyderabad Polo and Riding Club hosted national’s team training ahead of World Cup pre-qualifiers in Riyadh

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Polo and Riding Club (HPRC) hosted an exhibition Arena Polo match between the HPRC Club Team and the Indian Arena Polo World Cup Team, marking the conclusion of the national team’s training camp on Thursday.

Final preparation ahead of pre-qualifiers

The match brought down the curtain on an intensive training stint undertaken by the Indian team in preparation for the upcoming Arena Polo World Cup Pre-Qualifiers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. India will compete against regional opponents Pakistan and Iran in the high-stakes tournament, which serves as the gateway to the Arena Polo World Cup 2025 in Virginia, USA.

Training camp highlights

As part of their preparations, the Indian team participated in a virtual strategy and rules session with Robin Sanchez, a noted arena polo umpire and player from the USA. The session covered international standards, rule interpretations and tactical planning, offering the squad valuable insights for their upcoming matches.

Competitive exhibition match at HPRC

The exhibition match, held under lights at the HPRC Arena Polo Stadium, featured strong performances from both sides. The game served as a practical test of the Indian team’s readiness while showcasing the facilities and expertise available at HPRC.

Support from HPRC leadership

Chaitania Kumar, founder-president of the Hyderabad Polo and Riding Club, expressed pride in hosting the national team’s training.

“Our facilities are designed to match global standards, and we are delighted to contribute to India’s international ambitions in Arena Polo. This match was not only a celebration of the sport but also a testament to the growing stature of HPRC as a premier training ground for elite polo talent,” Kumar stated.

Looking ahead to Riyadh

The event acted as a send-off for the Indian team as they prepared to represent the country in Riyadh. With preparations complete, the focus now shifts to earning a place at the Arena Polo World Cup later this year.