La Polo Indian Polo Awards Returns For Its 3rd Edition

EE News Desk Jan 18, 2024

The third edition of the La Polo Indian Polo Awards was held at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai. The event was graced by the presence of Naveen Jindal and Shallu Jindal, Chairman of Jindal Steel and Power Limited, Chancellor of O. P. Jindal Global University; H.E. Hiroshi Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan; Mudit Paliwal, CEO, Delta Corp, Dr Aishwarya Paliwal, Chairperson, Delta Polo Foundation; Taljinder Singh, Senior Vice President and Brand Custodian IHCL; Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Singh Yadav, AVSM, SM (retd); Lt Gen Preet Mohindera Singh, VSM, Director General of Supplies and Transport; Rear Admiral Manish Chadha, Flag Officer Commanding, Maharashtra Naval Area; Parul Rai, Patron for Rajnigandha Achievers; Vikram Rathore, Patron for Rajnigandha Achievers; Shishir Bajaj, Chairman, Bajaj Foundation; Ravindra Singhal, IPS, Additional Director General Police Maharashtra; Dattatraya Karale, IPS, Joint Police Commissioner; Vijay Suryavanshi, IAS, Maharashtra Excise Commissioner; Vinita Singhal, IAS, Chief Secretary, Maharashtra; Shikha Durlabhji Founder, Code Silver; Pavan Ananad, Jewellery Designer (PAFJ). The event also saw Simran Singh Shergill, Christopher Mackenzie, Abhimanyu Pathak, Gerardo Mazzini, Phil Seller, Siddhant Sharma, Dinyar Madon and many more.

The red carpet event was followed by an evening of fraternising. The award ceremony began with thunderous applause for the evening's hosts, Bollywood actress Zoya Afroz and polo commentator Sharad Saxena. The award ceremony had 21 categories and the trophy crafted by Code Silver in the shape of ‘The Gateway of India’ woven with the Indian Polo Awards logo was presented to the winners. Lenskart was the gifting partner, and an equine-inspired coffee table book by Nilanjan Das was also presented. The culmination of the ceremony was followed by dinner and drinks, after which a live band was played.

This year’s edition focuses on the calibre and the dedication innate to the polo sportsperson's persona.

This year, an additional 3 categories, ‘Polo Commentator of the Season’, ‘Emerging Patron’ and ‘Polo Club of the Season’ were introduced. After keeping a record of each match and chukker in the 2022-2023 season, the team at La Polo selected the winners on a merit basis, backed by statistics. The player’s handicap, performance ratio, goals per match, match wins and tournament wins were the criteria upon which the winners were announced.

Maninder Sethi, Editor-in-Chief, La Polo said, “The third edition of La Polo The Indian Polo Awards stands on the firm resolve of making polo sing through the chapters of history and honouring its present and past custodians who have made the sport a legacy of dedication, resilience and diligence as these champions stand in unity to take polo further into a glorious future.”

Preeti Singh, Events and Marketing Head, LA POLO said, “The Indian Polo Awards stand not just as a celebration of excellence within the polo community but as a testament to the enduring legacy of a sport that has gracefully transcended time. It has been a privilege to curate an event that not only honours the outstanding achievements within the polo arena but also weaves seamlessly into the fabric of a legacy that spans generations.”

The event was powered by Jindal Panther Polo and co-powered by Delta Corp, along with associate partners Wedding Asia and Code Silver. The gifting partner was Lenskart, while paintings by Nilanjan Das graced the event. Studio Exponent was the on-ground partner.