 "Exclusive | Inside Indian Army’s renewed push for polo as President’s Bodyguard marks 75 years")
The 2024-25 Indian polo season concluded with an exciting new addition to the military polo calendar — the inaugural Bodyguard Diamond Jubilee Invitation Cup Polo Championship.
Held at the Army Polo & Riding Centre (APRC), New Delhi, from March 24 to 29, 2025, this event marked a significant step in the resurgence of polo within the Indian Armed Forces, particularly under the stewardship of the President’s Bodyguard (PBG).
The PBG, the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army, has a deep-rooted connection with polo . Over the years, it has played a crucial role in fostering and managing the sport within the armed forces.
The tournament featured four teams — Bodyguard-Navy (PBG and Indian Navy), Gunners-Stallions (Artillery & ASC), 61 Cavalry, and Remount the Ultimate (RVC & Infantry).
The finals, held on March 29, saw an intense contest as Bodyguard-Navy triumphed over Gunners-Stallions with a score of 8-6. This historic win was celebrated with a festive polo setting, and the championship salver was unveiled by Lt Gen VMB Krishnan, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, Quarter Master General, who also felicitated the winning team and key performers.
According to Colonel Amit Berwal, Commandant of the President’s Bodyguard, the introduction of this tournament is part of a broader push to revitalise army polo. “Traditionally, the Bodyguard is associated with polo. The Indian Polo Association itself ran from the President’s Bodyguard. We have contributed a lot to the sport from pre-independence days as well," he told Firstpost.
“It’s a new beginning for polo in the Bodyguard this year. As part of our Diamond Jubilee celebrations, we have introduced the Bodyguard Diamond Jubilee Invitation Cup. Moreover, the Quartermaster General has consented to host this tournament twice a year, giving a significant boost to base-level polo in the PBG and the Armed Forces.”
What the army has planned for its polo players
With the Army’s renewed focus on polo, a multi-pronged approach is being employed to strengthen the sport. According to Colonel VS Kahlon, Honorary Secretary of the Indian Polo Association (IPA), the strategy includes training programmes, foreign exposure and improved access to quality horses:
“A proposal for player coaching was taken up by the Army last year. After a selection process, six young Army polo players were sent to South Africa for four weeks of intensive training under renowned polo player and manager Buster Mackenzie," he told Firstpost.
“These players received exposure to modern techniques, school horses, and weekend matches against local teams. Their skill levels improved considerably, and this will now be an annual initiative, with four to six players sent abroad for advanced training each year.”
The Quartermaster General (QMG) branch, which oversees equestrian sports, has also taken an active role in enhancing the Army’s polo resources.
At least 8-10 thoroughbred horses have been procured to bolster regimental teams like the 61st Cavalry, the Artillery and the President’s Bodyguard. However, these horses will require training and adaptation to the sport before fully integrating into competition.
“While we may not see these thoroughbreds in action by the September season, by early next year, Army teams will have a much stronger horse pool, making them more competitive against civilian counterparts,” said Kahlon.
Beyond training and horse procurement, Army polo teams are also seeking increased international exposure. Last year, Indian Army players were sent to the US to participate in an arena polo test match against the US military team in San Diego, California.
“We played the match on October 6, 2024, and in a closely contested game, defeated the US military team 13-10. At no point were we trailing,” Kahlon highlighted.
The Indian team, comprising Prithvi Singh, Yatinder Kumar, Mrityunjay Singh and RK Gautam, won at the Lakeside Polo Club in California, USA.
“Internationally, at a low-goal level, our Army players are already competitive. They compensate for the gap in horse quality with sheer skill, hard work, and technique.”
One of the key developments has been the formation of Army Red and Army Green teams. Each team consists of six players, combining the best talent and horses from across different regiments to compete at higher levels.
“Since we lack the depth of top-tier horses, we have pooled our best resources into these teams to compete at the six-goal level,” Kahlon explained.
“The goal is to eventually field a fully Army team at the eight-goal level. This is already showing results, as seen in the Jaipur polo season.”
Other army regiments step up
The 61st Cavalry has long been synonymous with military polo, but now, other regiments are stepping up. Infantry units have started fielding teams, contributing to a broader army-wide push for polo development.
Lt. Col. Vishal Chauhan, a professional Indian polo player with a career high ranking of +4, noted the transformation of the game within the armed forces: “Until about 2011-12, the Army teams won the Indian Open and dominated polo in India. However, the QMG branch and the Chief of Army Staff are now actively working to rebuild the Army’s competitiveness," he told Firstpost.
“61st has always carried the sport forward. However, there are other arms and services which are coming forward like infantry also started, you know infantry also put in a team. There are a couple of good players from there.”
Soldiers from the Indian Armed Forces have historically represented the nation in different games on the international level as well.
Chauhan shared, “So there’s something in the pipeline. We will be getting horses from abroad as well. They’re good players in the army. There’s no doubt about that. I mean the army has been in other sports as well. It’s been doing well. So we have the raw material. It’s just that it has to be streamlined."
Challenges remain as army polo gets renewed push
Despite the positive developments, challenges remain. The cost of horses and international-standard training remains a hurdle, limiting the Army’s ability to match corporate-backed private teams.
“The golden era of polo in India was dominated by the Army because of its infrastructure and horses. But with corporate sponsorships and private teams gaining access to high-quality horses from abroad, it’s like pitting a Ferrari against a Maruti 800," Chauhan opined.
“You see, as of date, the high-level private teams have access to very high-quality Polo pawning and very high-quality training. Equipment-wise, there is no difference.” reflected Berwal.
However, with consistent financial and structural support from the Armed Forces, there is optimism that the Army will regain its former dominance in the sport.
As Berwal put it, “Polo is an expensive sport, but we have full support from the Deputy Chief, from the Quartermaster General’s branch, and our Vice Chief. With dedicated effort, we will be able to compete against private teams and reclaim our legacy.”
The newly institutionalised Bodyguard Diamond Jubilee Invitation Cup, now set to be a biannual event, is expected to be a catalyst for developing grassroots polo within the Army. This, combined with foreign training, new horses and inter-regimental competitions, is setting the stage for a revival of military polo in India.
With the PBG leading the charge, and support from the Indian Polo Association and the QMG branch, the coming years could well see the resurgence of the Indian Army as a formidable force in the world of polo.
Firstpost’s in-depth coverage of polo in India
Firstpost has extensively covered the evolution of polo in India , highlighting the sport’s deep ties with the Indian Armed Forces and its broader development.
Polo, India’s royal sport, is experiencing a resurgence with growing players, sponsors, and global partnerships.@_anmol_singla, who recently attended Sir Pratap Singh Polo Cup, writes on the game’s evolution, challenges, and future in India.https://t.co/9K6Xb1qn5r
— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) November 21, 2024
One feature examined the Indian Army and the 61st Cavalry’s role in sustaining polo, detailing how the armed forces continue to preserve and promote the sport .
Despite its royal roots, the sport of polo faces modern challenges, relying on private sponsorship and grassroots efforts to grow@_anmol_singla looks at how the Indian Army sustains the legacy of polo in India
— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) December 5, 2024
Read 👇https://t.co/BD3lI9BT7e
Another feature focused on the legacy of the President’s Bodyguard and the President’s Polo Cup, exploring their historic contributions and ongoing efforts to expand polo’s reach .
Set against the historic President’s Bodyguard (PBG) Parade Ground in New Delhi, the President’s Polo Cup celebrates a cherished legacy@_anmol_singla, who attended the exhibition match, looks at the PBG’s association with polo, iconic players and more https://t.co/0Hc3VaMVy2
— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) December 18, 2024
A fourth feature analysed what Indian players need to compete at a world-class level , using insights from the Jindal Steel Indian Polo Championship to explore the challenges in player development, infrastructure, and access to high-quality horses.
Against the backdrop of top-tier events like Jindal Steel Indian Open Polo Championship, @_anmol_singla examines why Indians 🇮🇳 are lagging behind in high-goal polo and the infrastructure and support they need to reach world-class standards
— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) March 26, 2025
Read ⤵️https://t.co/kxpNY8V1Eh
This current piece builds on that coverage, looking at the Indian Armed Forces’ latest initiatives to revamp their polo programmes, particularly through the newly instituted Bodyguard Diamond Jubilee Invitation Cup and structured training efforts.
As the regiment celebrates its 75th year of being designated as the President’s Bodyguard (1950-2025), this tournament was an integral part of its Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Instituted under the aegis of the Military Secretary to the President and Colonel of the Regiment, Major General Voodev Parida, VSM, this competition is being envisioned as a platform to cultivate base-level polo within the PBG and the Army.
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
