Thai Polo & Equestrian Club – Exciting Polo Season Ahead
With the Thai polo season ready to get under way (November 2011-April 2012), Thai Polo & Equestrian Club is expanding its mix of major tournaments, low goal contests and international challenges as the club’s reputation grows as a popular playing and training venue for the region’s polo players.
Thai Polo is an integral member of the South East Asian International Polo League, featuring teams from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, that has done a great deal to revitalize polo in the region. As host, Thailand introduced polo to the 2007 South East Asian Games, while Thai Polo invites players and teams from the Polo League to participate in its tournaments to encourage polo friendships and strengthen competition within the region.
The 11-14 goal Thai Polo Open is the Club’s main annual tournament, with 8 teams containing a mix of Asian and Argentine players vying for the prestigious Princess Cup from 11-21 January 2012. Thai Polo and Royal Pahang teams will be renewing their perennial rivalry, and last year’s runners-up T. Satrias from Singapore will be hoping to go one better. The grand final on January 21 is usually a marvelous fund-raising occasion attended by over 1,000 spectators.
Making its debut will be British Open Day on 18 February 2012. After a very successful introduction in China , with Singapore and India still to come, Ed Olver and Tom Hudson will bring their British Day Polo event to Thai Polo to celebrate the traditions of British military officers spreading the game of polo across the world. The day’s matches will feature visiting players from British Cavalry units challenging Thai Polo teams, with spectators enjoying an atmosphere that reflects Thailand’s strong affiliations with Britain.
Other notable tournaments include:
Thai Equestrian Federation Open Polo Championship 27-31 December 2011 – as TEF President, club patron Harald Link inaugurated this 6-8 goal tournament for invited players and teams from South East Asia to promote the Federation and to celebrate new year among polo friends.
B. Grimm Thai Polo Masters 7-12 February 2012 – an 8-10 goal competition for polo professionals from the region and Argentina.
Anniversary Cup 3-4 March 2012 – the annual international challenge of England vs Malaysia that allows the Malaysian professionals to test their abilities against strong English players.
Asian Beach Polo Championship 5-7 April 2012 – the final tournament of the season is actually played on the beautiful sands of the royal resort of Hua Hin for the honour of winning Princess Pa’s Cup. Organised by Thai Polo, the event takes on a very festive atmosphere at the beach with 3-member teams showing their prowess of a different surface. Last season’s teams of Macao, Singapore and Thai Polo will likely be joined by a team from Malaysia for a seaside showdown that raises large amounts of money for Princess Pa’s Inspire project that assists newly released female detainees to start a new life.
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For polo players of all levels wishing for some extra training to improve their playing abilities, the Rege Ludwig International Polo School will offer individual lessons and clinics from mid-October through to the end of March at Thai Polo & Equestrian Club. Renowned international instructor Rege Ludwig will be on hand to provide personal tuition in key aspects of playing polo. Lessons can be arranged through the club’s website: www.thai-polo-club.com
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Polo Matches at Thai Polo & Equestrian Club 2011-2012 Season
2010
Nov 19-20 First Chukka Cup Low goal
Dec 3-4 King’s Birthday Tournament 4-6 goals
Dec 27-31 Thai Equestrian Federation Open Polo 6-8 goals
2012
Jan 11-21 Thai Polo Open 12-14 goals
Jan 26-29 Chinese New Year Tournament 6-8 goals
Feb 7-12 B. Grimm Thai Polo Masters 8-10 goals
Feb 18 British Day Charity Polo Tournament TBA
Mar 3-4 Anniversary Cup 4-6 goals
Mar 24-25 Thai Polo Cup 6-8 goals
Apr 5-7 Asian Beach Polo Tournament 4-6 goals