Top teams for Hyderabad polo

Hyderabad: ‘Polo for the Masses’ will be the theme for this year’s edition of the hugely popular polo season that takes 0ff here on September 3. To the lovers of the royal sport, it will usher in a month-long festive-like atmosphere with all the accompanying excitement in place, thanks to the presence of the best of contemporary talent from all over the country.

To make a complete professional job, and perpetuating the Calvary tradition, Bison Riding and Polo Institute (BRPI) and Hyderabad Polo and Riding Club has been working in tandem to accomplish the task on hand. Major General Cherish Mathson, Chairman, BRPI said after unveiling the trophies that “Provision has been made to accommodate around seven thousand spectators for each segment. Ten national and international teams have confirmed participation for the season, which has coveted honours at stake, including Prince of Berar Cup, Chief Ministers Cup, Bison Cup and Army Commander’s Trophy.’’

Teams vying for honours include Army Service Corps (ASC), Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC), National Defence Academy (NDA), Artillery, Indian Navy, Deccan Polo & Riding Club (DPRC), HPRC and Sunendra Sports Club. Prince of Berar Cup, a four-goal tournament with Rs 25,000 prize-money, will be conducted from September 2-8. The six-goal tournaments, Chief Minister Cup (prize money of Rs 50,000) and Bison Cup will be held between September 9 and 17.

The crème de la crème eight-goal event, Army Commander’s Trophy with Rs one lakh in prize-money, will mark the grand finale after which a colourful razzmatazz will be organised. In a first, the organizers have opened a contest for photographers, both amateurs and professions. The best of action shots will be rewarded with handsome monetary benefits. They can send their entries to brpi554@gmail.com.