Over 110 years ago, Baroda witnessed the introduction of polo, a game that became a cherished part of its cultural landscape. This tradition began when Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III observed the sport during a visit to Jodhpur and subsequently introduced it to Baroda. On his return, he initiated the game in the city, bringing in a polo expert to train local players and establishing a dedicated polo ground. Considerable investments were made to develop this ground, including the construction of an impressive polo pavilion.
When Yuvraj Fatehsinghrao returned from his studies at Oxford, he embraced polo with great enthusiasm. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III supported this passion by acquiring top-quality polo ponies. Notable players such as Lieutenant Nanasaheb Shinde, K. Appa Saheb Sawant, and Shrimant Bhau Saheb Gaekwad joined the game, providing training to new players. New ponies were procured, and the polo facilities were relocated to a new area with a separate budget allocated for their maintenance.
Under Yuvraj Fatehsinghrao’s guidance, polo practice became a daily routine, with a stable of 30 ponies trained by expert whip master Imam Ali. These ponies were also utilized for military sports and hunting. In 1903, at the invitation of the 10th English Cavalry, Yuvraj took his polo team to participate in a tournament.
After the passing of Yuvraj, the polo facility eventually closed. However, recognizing the value of the sport for developing young riders and fostering discipline, efforts were made to revive it. In 1925, Maharaja Pratap Singh took on this task, completing his training and reintroducing polo to Baroda.
In 1932, Maharaja Pratap Singh led a polo team to the Richards Polo Tournament in Pune but had to return to Baroda abruptly due to a telegram from Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. In 1937, he took his team to Pune again. Despite facing defeat in the Senior Tournament against seasoned players like the Deccan Horses, the Baroda team achieved victory in the subsidiary tournament, marking a notable success.
Maharaja Pratap Singh’s impressive performance and aggressive play led the Baroda team to victory in the subsidiary tournament. With better ponies, the Baroda polo team was expected to achieve further success.
Maharaja Pratap Singh’s dedication to the sport led to young officers taking up polo, evolving into what was known as the Military Polo Gymkhana. The polo pavilion built behind Indumati Mahal remains one of the finest in India. However, despite these past glories, polo matches have not been held in Baroda for many years, leaving only the polo ground as a reminder of its once vibrant polo tradition.
Photo & Info Source: Vyayam Gyan Kosh
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