Hooves and Oomph at Delhi polo match

Updated on: 16 February,2009 11:26 AM IST |
MiD DAY Correspondent |

A Delhi polo match between India and Italy turned out to be a show of opulence

Au00a0Delhi polo match between India and Italy turned out to be a show of opulence

Thoroughbreds stomping the ground, vintage cars, tailored suits and haute heels, royal pageantry, caviar, and French desserts.

The Indian team comprising one of the best riders from the Indian Army lost to the Italian stallions by a margin of half-a-point. In a keenly contested match, the Italians started with a handicap and it made the difference as they pipped the hosts 8.5-8.

However, the spotlight was off the field with Chief of Army Staff Gen Deepak Kapoor, Yashodhara Raje Scindia, Maharaja of Jaipur Sawai Bhiwani Singh, Maharaja of Jodhpur Gaj Singh and the Italian Ambassador Roberto Toscano being among the spectators.

While the players tugged it out on the ground, the guests relished an exquisite lunch of caviar, fresh oysters, English, Swiss and Danish cheeses, live grills and Fresh desserts.

"The keen interest shown by the sponsors is sure to take Indian polo to great heights and I am sure that this partnership will continue to grow between the two teams in the years to come," said Col Dev Dahiya, hon-orary secretary, Indian Polo Association.

Filippo Ormanni, an Italian fan, said: "Polo in India has gained new highs. But there is more to the story of Indian polo than meets the eye. One thing is very clear at this point that the game could not grow any further without a fresh infusion of horses and money."

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