Regal Revival
Signalling A New Chapter For Heritage Sport
The Ahmedabad Polo Tournament brought together top players and heritage sport for a three-day celebration of polo, culture and high-performance competition.
Poonam Advani
The Ahmedabad Polo Tournament, held from 2 Jan 2026 to 4 Jan 2026 at the Gujarat Polo Club Ground in Shela, emerged as a defining moment for equestrian sport in western India, blending heritage, high-performance sport and world-class presentation. Powered by the Adani Group, the three-day tournament underscored how corporate stewardship can play a transformative role in preserving India’s sporting legacy while reimagining it for contemporary audiences.
Organised by the Gujarat Polo Club, the tournament marked Gujarat’s largest and most ambitious polo event to date, positioning Ahmedabad as a rising multi-sport destination. Through its association with the event, the Adani Group reinforced its long-standing commitment to nurturing sport, culture and community engagement—values that align closely with its broader nation-building ethos.
Reviving Heritage Through a Modern Sporting Vision
Polo, often described as the “king of games,” occupies a special place in India’s sporting history. The Ahmedabad Polo Tournament sought to restore this heritage sport to national prominence by adopting a franchise-based format, similar to successful league models in Indian sport. The format not only increased spectator engagement but also brought professional structure and visibility to the game.
The premier competition featured six men’s teams—Adani Archers, Jindal Panthers, KP Kings, Mayfair Polo, Arron Avatars and Burakia Barrons—along with two women’s teams, Apollo Aviators and Lions Den Legends. The inclusion of the Adani Archers as a franchise team highlighted Adani’s active participation in the tournament, beyond sponsorship, contributing directly to the competitive fabric of the event.
Elite Talent and Competitive Excellence
More than 30 polo players took part in the tournament, with at least 25 having competed at the international level. The roster included some of India’s most accomplished players, such as former national captain Dhruv Pal Godara, Siddhant Sharma, Simran Shergill, Syed Shamsheer Ali, Vivan Mehta, Syed Hurr Ali, Angad Kalaan and Nimit Mehta. Industrialist Naveen Jindal, a prominent supporter of polo, was among the notable participants, adding further prestige to the event.
The opening day featured three high-intensity matches, including KP Kings vs Adani Archers, setting the tone for three days of competitive, fast-paced polo. The quality of play throughout the tournament reflected its ambition to establish Ahmedabad as a serious destination for elite equestrian sport.
A Signature Adani-Backed Experience
Beyond the field, the Ahmedabad Polo Tournament delivered a holistic and immersive experience, reflecting the scale and sophistication associated with Adani-backed initiatives. The event opened with a grand ceremonial parade featuring all teams on horseback, carrying illuminated sponsor and team flags. The opening ceremony included performances by 80 dancers alongside the internationally acclaimed Warrior Squad, followed by the unveiling of the tournament trophy by actor and former Miss World Manushi Chhillar.
Entertainment and cultural showcases continued across all three days, with Bollywood dance performances, high-energy acrobatics by V Unbeatable, traditional Mallakhamba demonstrations and a visually striking Tron act. Curated musical performances and refined fireworks displays accompanied the matches, reinforcing the tournament’s premium positioning.
The closing ceremony featured synchronised fireworks, laser displays and light choreography, culminating in an awards presentation on a specially designed stage that echoed polo’s regal heritage.
Building Sporting Ecosystems for the Future
Promoters of the Gujarat Polo Club described the tournament as more than a standalone event, envisioning it as a long-term cultural and sporting milestone for the region. With Ahmedabad aspiring to play a larger role in India’s sporting future—particularly in the lead-up to major international events such as the Commonwealth Games in 2030—the tournament served as a timely intervention.
By powering the Ahmedabad Polo Tournament, the Adani Group once again showcased how corporate leadership can play a pivotal role in reviving traditional sports, building professional sporting ecosystems and inspiring the next generation of athletes. The resounding success of the inaugural edition has laid a strong foundation for the tournament to grow into western India’s marquee annual polo event—one that seamlessly bridges heritage, sport and modern nation-building. Through its sponsorship and active involvement, the Adani Group underscores the increasing impact of major Indian corporates in promoting traditional sports and strengthening the country’s sporting ecosystem, complementing its broader initiatives under Adani Sportsline, the conglomerate’s dedicated sports arm.
(With inputs from Suryansh Behl, Team CBC)