The Ahmedabad Polo Tournament opened in spectacular fashion on Friday with a grand ceremony, marking the beginning of three days of competitive polo and immersive spectator experiences. Organised by the Gujarat Polo Club and powered by the Adani Group, the three-day tournament represents the largest polo event ever staged in Gujarat, both in scale and presentation.
The opening ceremony at the Gujarat Polo Club Ground in Shela featured a high-energy performance by a large dance troupe, followed by appearances by renowned acrobatic dance crew V Unbeatable. The tournament trophy was formally unveiled by actor and former Miss World, Manushi Chhillar, and the team owners, formally signalling the commencement of the competition.
The scale and production of the opening evening were unprecedented for polo in Ahmedabad, drawing strong attendance and enthusiastic response from spectators.
On the opening day, Jindal Panthers faced Mayfair Polo in the first match, followed by NAV Unicorns taking on Pune Warriors, while KP Kings clashed with Adani Archers in the third encounter. Equestrian sports demonstrations held between matches added to the traditional sporting atmosphere.
Speaking on the occasion, Arpan Gupta, Promoter of Gujarat Polo Club, said, “This tournament is about bringing polo to Gujarat in a way it has never been experienced before. The response to the opening day has been extremely encouraging and reinforces our belief that Ahmedabad is ready to embrace polo as a major sporting and cultural event.”
Sanjay Paladia, Promoter of Gujarat Polo Club, said, “What we witnessed today is unprecedented for polo in Gujarat. Our focus has been on delivering a world-class tournament that respects the sport’s heritage while presenting it in a manner and at a scale that appeals to today’s audiences. Ahmedabad’s sporting ecosystem makes it an ideal home for this initiative.”
More than 30 polo players are taking part in the tournament of whom at least 25 have competed at the international level. The standard of play on the opening day set the tone for highly competitive action across the tournament.
Beyond the matches, the event has been planned as a complete spectator experience, with heritage installations, equine exhibitions, family-friendly zones and live entertainment across the venue. Musical performances will continue over the next two days, with the tournament set to culminate with a closing ceremony featuring synchronised fireworks, laser displays and an awards presentation.
The Ahmedabad Polo Tournament aims to revive the “king of games” in Gujarat and establish a landmark annual sporting tradition that bridges heritage, culture, and sport.