Army Service Corps Centre & College brings Polo to Bengaluru

Bangalore, August 6. In the past, sport has been used to help shape native peoples into British ‘models’ of manliness and efficiency. 

But the army has also taken inspiration from abroad, adopting sports like polo and popularising them. 

Polo

Soldiers played a key role in spreading sports to the furthest reaches of the British Empire, they also discovered local pursuits that immediately appealed to them.

British soldiers first learned to play polo in Manipur, on India’s North-East Frontier. Captain Robert Stewart, Superintendent of Cachar, and his assistant, Lieutenant John Sherer, were instrumental in introducing this sport to Europeans in 1859 when they took it to Calcutta.

In later years, its popularity spread across India.

Now Polo enthusiasts of Bengaluru can look forward to some thrilling polo games as some of the top teams in the Country are set to participate in Bengaluru Polo season, starting from August 7, 2023.

Briefing the Media about the tournament to be held from tomorrow at the ASC Centre & College Polo Turf, Brigadier Tejpal Singh Mann & Lt. Col. Jaspal Singh Negi thanked Lt. General Basant Kumar Repswal, AVSM, VSM, in making all out efforts to bring the sport to the Southern Region.

Brigadier T S Mann said that, this not only provides an opportunity for the Polo enthusiasts of the city to get enthralled by the games, but also will be a great motivator for the younger generation to take up the Sport.  

The events are organised by Agram Riding and Polo Academy (ARPA), Lt. Col. Negi said

ARPA has been synonymous with Polo since 2003, when the Army Service Corps & College took upon the mantle of promoting polo in the Southern Region.  

The teams participating in the tournament include Army Service Corps, 61 Cavalry, Indian Navy, Remount Veterinary Corps, National Defence Academy, Regiment of Artillery, Hyderabad Polo and Riding Club, Army Riding & Polo Academy team and Chennai Polo team. 

These teams will be competing for honours in-Gyan Jyoti Polo Cup played between (7-9), The only one Challengers Polo Cup (10-13), Wadiyar Polo Cup (14-20) and Bengaluru Champions Polo Cup (21-27). Played during this month, Lt. Col. Negi said.

The matches are scheduled at 2pm every day and is open to the public free of cost.