Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan announced that the highly anticipated 6th Edition of the Punjab Arena Polo Challenge Cup will take place during the Holla Mohalla celebrations at Sri Anandpur Sahib. The event will bring together top polo players and enthusiasts from across the country, showcasing exceptional equestrian skills, tradition, and horsemanship. The Speaker also unveiled the official Anandpur Sahib Polo T-shirt for the tournament.
Addressing a press conference, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan shared that the tournament is set to commence on March 14, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Charan Ganga Stadium, Sri Anandpur Sahib. This stadium, known for its world-class facilities, plays a crucial role in hosting the renowned Holla Mohalla festival, where the Nihang Singh Jathebandis or “Guru Ki Ladli Fauj” display medieval martial arts, a tradition initiated in 1701 by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
The prestigious tournament will feature elite polo teams engaging in high-intensity matches, offering an exciting experience for both players and spectators. It will also serve as a platform to highlight Punjab’s rich equestrian heritage and growing prominence in the polo community.
Prominent figures from the sports world, including industry leaders, sponsors, and dignitaries, are expected to grace the event. Alongside thrilling polo matches, the tournament will also feature martial arts displays and cultural performances, ensuring a vibrant mix of sports and festivities for visitors.
Kultar Singh Sandhwan further detailed the key attractions of the tournament, emphasizing that elite polo teams from across India will participate in competitive matches at Charan Ganga Stadium. Additionally, equestrian performances, special appearances by renowned polo players, and a family-friendly atmosphere with traditional music and entertainment will enhance the experience.
During the press conference,Kultar Singh Sandhwan also expressed strong disapproval of the removal of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s photos from the Delhi Chief Minister’s Office, calling it highly condemnable. He accused the BJP of attempting to weaken India’s federal structure through divisive policies.
Furthermore, he criticized the CBSE’s exclusion of Punjabi from the new Class 10 examination pattern, calling it an anti-Punjab move aimed at distancing children from their mother tongue. He urged the Central Government to revoke this decision immediately, emphasizing that Punjabi is the soul of Punjab and deserves due recognition.
Speaking at the event, Sodhi Vikram Singh, Managing Trustee of the Anandpur Sahib Heritage Foundation, expressed excitement about hosting this prestigious polo tournament in Punjab. He highlighted that the event would not only celebrate the sport of polo but also shine a spotlight on the historical and cultural significance of Sri Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth and home to the iconic Holla Mohalla festival. He described it as a “Medieval Sports Day” that has preserved Sikh martial arts and horsemanship since 1701.
The tournament is being organized by Sodhi Vikram Singh, an internationally renowned polo player and Captain of the Delhi Polo & Riding Club, a key organization promoting polo and equestrian sports in India. Their mission is to develop new talent, foster a passion for polo, and expand the sport’s reach nationwide.
Speaking about the sport, Vikram Singh referred to polo as the “Sport of Kings,” one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious team sports, requiring agility, strategy, and strength. He emphasized that modern polo originated in India, with Punjab playing a significant role in its evolution and global popularity.
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