The President's Polo Cup

ABOUT

“The President’s Polo Cup" was established in 1975 under the patronage of the late Shri Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, who served as the Patron-in-Chief of the Indian Polo Association (IPA) at that time. The IPA was associated with the President's Bodyguard (PBG), which managed the tournament on behalf of the President's Secretariat. This prestigious event was an open tournament, allowing teams with a minimum handicap of 10 goals to participate, showcasing some of the country's finest polo talent. The inaugural Cup took place in February 1975, attended by the then President of India, Late Shri Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, and Begum Abida Ahmed.

In June 2004, the IPA transitioned from the President's Bodyguard to the 61 Cavalry, leading to the discontinuation of the President’s Polo Cup in 2005. However, in an effort to revive this esteemed tradition, the President's Bodyguard, with the support of the President’s Secretariat, organized the first President’s Polo Cup Exhibition Match at its Polo Ground in March 2013. 

In 2023, President’s Polo Cup Exhibition Match was played on 25 November, and the match starting with the traditional throwing-in of the Polo ball by Honourable President Smt Droupadi Murmu.

polo1 Match starting with the traditional throwing-in of the Polo ball by Honourable President Smt Droupadi Murmu

polo2 Mesmerising Skill Riding Display by the President’s Bodyguard during The President’s Polo Cup Exhibition Match

polo3 Felicitation of the awardees by the Honourable President

This exhibition match has become an annual event, attended by the Honourable President and numerous dignitaries, including foreign ambassadors. The match is generally scheduled in November or December to align with the 'Delhi Fall Polo Season.' The Exhibition Match highlights the exceptional equestrian and polo skills of the nation’s top players, with the Silver Trophy proudly displayed in the Officers’ Mess of The President's Bodyguard.