A Regal Return to the Field: Polo’s Legacy Rides Again in Ahmedabad this January !

Hooves, Heritage and High Spirits: Ahmedabad Prepares to Gallop into a Grand Polo Revival

Bilkul Online | By Junaid Quadri

Ahmedabad | 22 Dec 2025
As winter settles over Ahmedabad, the thunder of hooves and the elegance of royal tradition are set to return to centre stage. From January 2 to 4, the city will witness a spectacular revival of the “king of games” as the Ahmedabad Polo Tournament unfolds at the Gujarat Polo Club Ground in Shela, promising a rare blend of sport, culture and heritage.

Organised by the Gujarat Polo Club, the three-day tournament marks a renewed effort to re-establish polo’s historic presence in Gujarat and position Ahmedabad as western India’s premier polo destination. Six men’s teams and two women’s teams will compete in a packed schedule of high-intensity matches, complemented by immersive cultural experiences designed to attract seasoned enthusiasts and first-time spectators alike.

The tournament will feature three matches each on January 2 and 3, followed by two decisive encounters on January 4. Beyond the sporting action, organisers have planned a festival-like atmosphere with equine showcases, heritage installations and family-friendly engagement zones aimed at introducing a new generation to the regal sport.

Teams and Competition

The men’s category will see Adani Archers, Jindal Panthers, KP Kings, Mayfair Polo, Arron Avatars and Burakia Barrons battle for honours, while Apollo Aviators and Lions Den Legends will compete in the women’s division.

Adding significant sporting weight to the event, over 30 players will participate, including 25 with international experience. The lineup is headlined by former India captain Dhruv Pal Godara, along with Siddhant Sharma, Simran Shergill, Syed Shamsheer Ali, Vivan Mehta and Angad Kalaan. Jayvirsinh Gohil, founder of Gohilwaad Polo Club and Gujarat’s only professional polo player, noted that the depth of talent reflects the tournament’s national stature.

Celebrating Polo’s Regal Legacy

“This tournament is about honouring polo’s regal past while shaping its future,” said Arpan Gupta, promoter of Gujarat Polo Club. “Gujarat deserves to experience this sport firsthand—not just as a competition, but as a cultural milestone.”

Echoing the sentiment, co-promoter Sanjay Paladia said Ahmedabad’s growing equestrian ecosystem makes it a natural home for polo. “Our vision is to elevate polo in Gujarat and western India to national prominence by combining heritage with a modern, world-class sporting experience,” he said.

A Grand Opening and Cultural Spectacle

The tournament will open on January 2 with a grand ceremonial parade, as teams ride in on horseback carrying illuminated flags. The opening ceremony will feature a performance by 80 dancers, the internationally acclaimed Warrior Squad from America’s Got Talent, and the unveiling of the tournament trophy by actor and former Miss World Manushi Chhillar.

Entertainment will continue throughout the three days with performances by Bollywood dance troupes, acrobatic sensations V Unbeatable, Mallakhamba artists and a futuristic Tron act. Live musical performances during matches and curated fireworks displays will further enhance the atmosphere.

A Fitting Finale

The tournament will culminate in a grand closing ceremony on January 4, featuring synchronised fireworks, laser choreography and an awards presentation, bringing the celebration to a dramatic close.

Powered by the Adani Group, the Ahmedabad Polo Tournament aims to reintroduce polo to Gujarat not merely as a sport, but as a cultural celebration. With its mix of elite competition, heritage-driven storytelling and high-energy entertainment, the event is poised to lay the foundation for an annual tradition—one that confidently gallops into the future while keeping its royal past firmly in sight.