In a throw-back into the city's “Royal” past, Kolkata will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Calcutta Polo Club, the world's first to popularise the game in its modern form, by hosting an international tournament with six teams from the US, Italy, Brazil and Indonesia.
The event, billed as the biggest polo tournament in the country, will mark the beginning of a year-long programme.
Big budget
“The budget for the event is ten times that of the Indian Open. We couldn't give the Royal touch owing to paucity of time in organising the anniversary celebrations this time around, but the closing ceremony next year would, perhaps, see presence of the British royal family,” said Mr Bangur.
In a way, this is a home-coming of the patron-based game in the new millennium. Calcutta Polo Club is trying to revive its support base in the city where it began its journey in the middle of 19{+t}{+h} Century.
Modern polo quintessentially is a rediscovery of an Indian game by the British army personnel and Maharajas of yesteryear, when Calcutta was the only happening place east of the Suez.
Corporate patrons
“The city is striving to regain its old glory. We wish the celebration will catalyse the process in a humble way. We have been able to rope in a few corporate patrons, including the ITC Sonar and Taj groups. Along the way, we hope to have some more. The club currently has 30 thoroughbreds in its stable near its ground at the heart of the city.
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