British Polo Day Jaipur 2016
Press Release
“I find an answer in our ability to make our heritage relevant to the changing times.” British Polo Day commences their journey across Rajasthan starting in the state’s capital Jaipur, The Pink City
Brigadier Sawai Bhawani Singh Bahadur MVC, the late Maharaja of Jaipur, once said, “I find an answer in our ability to make our heritage relevant to the changing times.” In 1966 Brigadier Sawai Bhawani Singh Bahadur MVC married Princess Padmini Devi of Sirmour, the daughter of his father’s polo friend, Maharaja Rajendra Singh, and therefore British Polo Day travelled to Jaipur, with guests and partners alike, to continue the tradition of a shared passion for sport, heritage and culture.
Wednesday 7th December marked the second British Polo Day Jaipur, presented by RJI Capital and partnered with Britain’s finest brands including Harrods and Bentley Motors. An array of sporting festivities took place at Rajasthan Polo Club, the epicentre for polo in Rajasthan which has contributed significantly to the promotion and upliftment of polo in India and abroad.
No British Polo Day would be fit without an opening of Brompton Bicycle Polo between Bentley Motors British Exiles and the RJI Capital Jaipur Team which saw some hilarity brought to the field. The RJI Capital Jaipur Team were unable to hold back the Bentley Motors British Exiles who were unable to keep the ball out of the goal posts with the match ending 6-2.
The RJI Capital Team plays against the Hackett British Army Team
As a 4th generation of polo fanatics it was only fitting that HH Maharajah Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur, otherwise known as Pacho by friends, family and the polo community, then lead the RJI Capital Jaipur Team onto his home field to take on the Hackett British Army in an aim to continue his Father, Maharaj Narendra Singh’s, victory from the previous year. The thrilling match caused many cheers from the crowd with the two teams neck and neck until the final chukker when Lt. Col Ravi Rathore from the RJI Capital Team scored a 5th goal to take victory and raise the The Rajmata Padmini Devi of Jaipur British Silverware Plate. Paddy Selfe was awarded the Royal Salute Most Valuable Player with some stunning runs down the field and HH Maharajah Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur’s mare, Small Fellow, was awarded the prestigious Polo Factory Best Playing Pony.
The RJI Capital Team wins the Rajmata Padmini Devi of Jaipur British Silverware Plate
The previous evening stunned guests with the official launch of British Polo Day Jaipur with guests gathering at SUJÁN Rajmahal Palace for an evening hosted by Amrapali Jewels. Traditional Rajasthani dancers and singers greeted guests who then enjoyed an evening on the same lawns where Prince Charles used to ride. Guests retired to the Rajmahal Polo Bar, which showcases many of The Royal Family’s polo accolades and celebrates the talents of Jaipur’s polo tradition, for a dram of Royal Salute 21 Year Old whiskey with a chance to toast to the days ahead.
Commenting on the event, Mr. Jaisal Singh, Founder & Chief Executive, SUJÁN and Vice President & Member of the Executive Committee & Board of Directors, Relais & Chateaux said, “We are delighted that SUJÁN Rajmahal Palace is continuing an age-old tradition of hosting international Polo players and delightful guests from across the globe in the fabled pink city of Jaipur, whose history is much intertwined with the game of kings and the king of games.”
A Gala Dinner at The City Palace provided the grand finale after the polo day with guests being treated to a traditional Rajasthani procession on the Baradari and a fascinating lightshow projected onto the palace walls, an incredible account of the history of The Jaipur Royal Family. Guests were then lead to private quarters for a gala dinner and to celebrate what were two days full of friendship and the coming together of two cultures bounded by common passions and a deeply rooted and intertwined history.
What is apparent is that HH Maharajah Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur continues to promote a legacy, pioneering the sport of polo in India and around the world, something that his Grandfather would be proud of.
The event is presented by title sponsor RJI Capital, and partnered with Harrods, Royal Salute, Bentley Motors, Charles Russell Speechlys, British Silverware, Amrapali Jewels, Delna Poonawalla, Clinova, Sújan Rajmahal Palace, Randle Siddeley, Charles McDowell Properties, Jacobs Creek, True Luxury Travel, Taylor Morris Eyewear, DR Harris, Floris, Barnard and Westwood, Cassabo, and Alice Made This.
About RJI Capital
RJI Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of Magellan Investment Holdings, an investment holding company with investments in energy and natural resources, aerospace and defence, real estate, and technology. RJI Capital is a strategic advisory and merchant banking firm with a premium track record in new market entry and international transactions, having closed deals totaling billions in value. RJI’s industry-‐‑leading services and expertise are delivered from its office headquarters in London, and its offices in Dubai, Hong Kong, New York, Paris, and Washington, D.C. RJI Capital’s sister company, Arcanum, is a global intelligence company that provides services to sovereign governments, large multinational corporations and financial institutions, to help address some of their most pressing challenges and complex strategic issues.
True Luxury Travel
True Luxury Travel is the official travel partner of British Polo Day. Their expertise and exceptional service allows guests the opportunity to expand their experience in host countries and travel with ease.
www.trueluxurytravel.com
About British Polo Day
British Polo Days are a celebration of craft and heritage in a polo events network that spans the World. British Polo Days have become an unparalleled platform for elite engagement and business in emerging and growth markets.
Having held over 54 events in 15 countries since 2009, the British Polo Day Global Series has grown to encapsulate 10 annual events, spanning Abu Dhabi, Australia, China, Dubai, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Mexico, Morocco, Russia, Singapore, Sumba Island (Indonesia),Thailand and the US.
The success of the British Polo Days has been largely down to word-of-mouth endorsement from many guests and supporters including key figures in government, the aristocracy, diplomats, military, fashion, art and popular culture. In addition, British Polo Days have hosted members of 12 royal families, 100 independent billionaires and leaders in world innovation including Sir Richard Branson and Elon Musk among others. Over 20,000 guests have enjoyed British Polo Days since inception.
The British Polo Day team is also very proud of its philanthropic efforts. In countries all over the world, polo has a long history of raising significant funding for worthy causes. Wherever possible, British Polo Day is entirely committed to bringing to bear the full weight of its partners, network and creative talent to this end. In 2015, the cumulative running total of amounts raised for good causes broke through the US$1.5m threshold and keeps on rising.
The British Polo Day team continues to thrive within the British and international craft sector, as they have become a trusted source for purchasing decisions by international elites. British Polo Days have become an irresistible way for the top polo teams and players to come together for competition globally. Additionally, British Polo Day will continue to innovate and pioneer unique platforms for craft and polo associated brands. Their cognition of the establishment of the British Polo Day Brand was evident in June 2013 when the UK Intellectual Property Office registered British Polo Day as a trademark.
Visit www.britishpoloday.com for more information.
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