Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup 2013 Gets Underway in October at Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club

Argentina, the world’s undisputed polo powerhouse, will return to Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club in October to defend their crown against challenges from England, Hong Kong China and USA.

Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup 2013, one of international polo’s most exciting tournaments, will take place from 1 to 5 October at China’s Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club. Hosted by the Federation of International Polo (FIP) and the Chinese Equestrian Association, this 24-goal handicap tournament is one of the highest-goal international tournaments in the world, making it a unique opportunity to observe some of the world’s finest polo players in action. 

In just two and a half years, Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club has captured the world’s attention by hosting a range of prominent international polo eventsLive, earning itself a reputation as one of the top organisers of polo tournaments in Asia. China’s largest and most prestigious polo venue, it is set amid 222-acre of rolling estate and features two international standard polo fields, extensive training facilities and stables for over 200 horses, with polo ponies handpicked and imported from the best lines around the world. 

At last year’s inaugural Super Nations Cup, Argentina made a clean sweep, overcoming a talented USA side 8-7 in a thrilling and closely contested final, with 8-goal handicapped Mike Azzaro from Team USA earning himself MVP for his aggressive forward play. In the subsidiary final, Hong Kong China overcame England 8-6. 

The draw for this year’s tournament was hosted by Mr. Peter Abisheganaden appointed by the FIP. The opening match on 1 October will see England take on the USA, with the second semi-final on 2 October contested between Hong Kong China and Argentina. This sets up a potential replay of last year’s thrilling final between the USA and Argentina, though of course England and Hong Kong China will be doing their best to ensure history is not repeated.

The Hong Kong China team, narrowly beaten on penalties by the USA in their opening encounter in 2012, will be hoping for a strong performance this time around as interest in the sport within China gathers pace. 

Ancient versions of polo have also been unearthed in India and Iran, but it was the British who formalised the modern game during the Raj in India. England will be keen to improve on last year’s fourth place finish and bring the ‘Game of Kings’ back home, but it will need a herculean effort to unseat the Argentineans, a nation at the top of the world rankings who can boast more 10-goal players than any other.

Team representative from England, Mr. Robert Derry, was looking forward to an exciting tournament. “England has a proud polo tradition, but our first club was only established in the 1800s; 1,000 years earlier polo was being played in China. So to join these great polo nations here at Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club, and continue the legacy of polo in China, is an absolute honour.” 

Mr. Wesley Ru from Team USA served as an FIP ambassador when the first modern competitive polo tournament took place in China just nine years ago. “So much has evolved since then, and keeps growing,” said Ru. “As a Chinese representing the USA I’m hugely proud to be here at Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club.”

The growth of the sport of polo in the Middle Kingdom owes a great deal to the work of the Chinese Equestrian Association. Mr. Li Nianxi, Secretary General of the Chinese Equestrian Association and distinguished opening speaker at the tournament press conference and draw, commented on the importance of the upcoming tournament for the development of polo in China. “International tournaments like the Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup 2013 will be milestones in the development of polo in China. The Chinese Equestrian Association hopes to be able to encourage the appreciation of equestrian sport among the Chinese people.”

Following the draw, Tournament Director Mr. Peter Abisheganaden was asked about his predictions for the Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup 2013: “I think every team has a chance. Argentina might have the most strength in depth, but all these teams play at the highest level. And don’t forget, it’s how man gets on with horse. All the players are using horses from Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club that they will not be used to. Equally, it’s about how quickly the players travelling here from different time zones can acclimatise, and whether the players will gel as a national team. But this is the world’s highest ranking polo tournament played between countries, so one thing I can predict is the polo will be fantastic.”

Fans of polo will know that tournaments like the Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup 2013 are not just stunning sporting spectacles; they are much-loved social and lifestyle occasions for spectators. Visitors can expect a range of glamorous attractions and performances, and world-class hospitality courtesy of Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club. 

Before the action gets underway in October, the final word goes to Mr. Asad Jumabhoy, Council Member and Zone D Director of the FIP: “This tournament is proof of how the sport of polo can foster international friendships and build bridges around the world. We all share a belief in the potential of China as a centre of polo, and we look towards developing the sport here and realising the dream of having a China national polo team playing in future FIP tournaments.  

Draw results from the Tournament Draw that was conducted at the Press Conference: