South Africa to Face India in the Midlands International Polo Tournament

By Parth Sharma

South Africa to face India in the Midlands International Polo Tournament

South Africa will face India in the main match in the first International Polo Tournament at the Lions River Polo Club in the KZN Midlands. The match will be preceded by three curtain raisers and is set to thrill all fans and spectators on 6th May.

"We are delighted to be hosting the Indian team and have been overwhelmed at the level of interest from the public in this event. Both teams will be at the 15-goal level and this balance in handicaps will ensure a very hard-fought and closely contested match." Said Mark Davies, President of the South African Polo Association.

The Indian side will be captained by the 5 goaler - Colonel Ravi Rathore, who has represented India in five successive World Cups. Gaurav Sahgal (4), Salim Azmi (3) and Siddhant Sharma (3) will play alongside Ravi Rathore for the Indian team.

"The Indian Army consists of an incredible 1.4 million soldiers and the 61 st Cavalry Regiment is one of the last fully mounted active fighting bodies in the world. Most Indian polo players learn their equestrian skills from this elite Regiment of which Col Rathore is Commandant" said Davies.

The programme for the day will start at 10 in the morning with a curtain raiser between youngsters which will be followed by a match between Ngunis & Ankoles. The teams from schools comprising of current and old boys will play at noon before the grand international event. 
The match between India and South Africa will start at 1330 hrs and will conclude at 1500 hrs and will be followed by a live band performance. 
l Rathore is Commandant" said Davies. 
Thrilling and exhilarating international polo will be coming to the midlands area of Kwa-Zulu Natal on 6 May this year! The SA Polo Association has invited a 15-goal team from India to play against a South African team at the Lions River Polo Club in the inaugural action-packed Midlands International Polo on Sunday 6th May 2018. This date has been chosen to coincide with the enormously popular Hilton vs Michaelhouse schoolboys rugby clash which will be held the day before, Saturday 5th May, at Michaelhouse. This International promises to be a fun-filled and exciting day of entertainment. The day will kick off with a kids match between the Elands and Bushbuks at 10h00 which will showcase the younger generation who will be the future stars of South African Polo. This will be followed by a curtain raiser match between the Nguni and Ankole teams at 11h00 and then in keeping with the weekend's rivalry at 12h00 there will be a Hilton vs Michaelhouse curtain raiser polo match. The main match between South Africa and India will take place at 13h30 which will be followed by prize-giving. There will be a live band (Angus) playing for a couple of hours from the conclusion of prize-giving to end off a fantastic day of polo and fun.

Tickets are available in the form of pre-sold picnic sites or general access which can be purchased at the gates on the day. Details of these can be seen below. You are welcome to bring in your own food and drinks but there will be public caterers, coffee and public bars available on the day (listed below).

The SA Polo Association would like to thank Grindrod Bank, Jonsson Workwear and SMG Jaguar Land Rover Pietermaritzburg for their support for this event.