BHOPAL PATAUDI POLO CUP 2013

Polo season has been stated in city and grabbed all its attention on Sunday afternoon (21st October, 2013) match between 61 Cavalry & Jindal Panther for Royal Salute Bhopal Pataudi Polo Cup. Jindal Panthers who emerged as winners of the Royal Salute Bhopal-Patuadi Cup 8 Goal polo tournament, beat their counter team by 6 goals to 4 ½ in the finals played at the Jaipur Polo Ground.
Royal Salute has been an integral part of the test of skill on horseback in the international sporting arena with its World Polo series in countries like United Kingdom, United States, Argentina, Dubai, South Korea, Mongolia and China. In India, the Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup is an annual feature.

Royal Salute now adds a great lineage to its association with the ‘Sport of Kings’ with The Bhopal Pataudi Polo Cup 2013. The Bhopal Pataudi Cup was first instituted in 1996 when the late Nawab Mansur Ali Khan “Tiger” of Pataudi, presented it to the Army Polo Riding Club, as a running trophy. Though not a player himself Tiger was a polo enthusiast. This was hardly surprising given that his father, a renowned cricketer, an Oxford Blue at hockey and billiards, was also a keen polo player. Tiger’s maternal grandfather Nawab Hamidullah Khan of Bhopal not only captained the Bhopal team but also was a 9 goal player himself. This cup has been named after them in recognition of their enormous contribution to polo.

The Royal Salute Bhopal Pataudi Polo Cup takes forward this matchless legacy with Begum Mansur Ali Khan of Pataudi and her family including Nawab Saif Ali Khan the 10th Nawab.
Begum Mansur Ali Khan of Pataudi commenting on the association with Royal Salute said, “We have found a supportive partner in Royal Salute this year in keeping alive the family link with polo, which was greatly cherished by my late husband. The Bhopal Pataudi Polo Cup epitomizes the legacy that has been passed on for generations and is very precious to us. Royal Salute honours the spirit of sportsmanship in our country. I am sure they will enhance the joy of watching polo while promoting the game in a befitting manner”.


“It is an honour for Royal Salute to partner the Bhopal Pataudi Polo Cup. The highest respect and lasting admiration are for those who are inspirational leaders and the Pataudi family is true to that. Royal Salute is coveted and admired globally for heritage and ultimate luxury. Its association with World Polo is unique” said, Bikram Basu, Vice President-Marketing, Pernod Ricard India .


Since 1996 till today, during Delhi’s Fall Season, the Bhopal Pataudi Polo Cup has taken place every year, except last year, when the horses were ill.

By: S.Sarvesh