Jodhpur, India – Reported by Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine
Royal Salute, the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky, marked its third year as title sponsor of the Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup – one of the world’s most prestigious polo events – with its largest and most international crowd ever watching the impressive Central Academy team win the 10-goal tournament.
The annual New Year’s Eve Procession, lead by His Highness the Maharaja of Jodhpur, marked the end of the five-day event, which saw the Central Academy team take the title by outshining the Yuvraj Knights 7.5 – 3 with some scintillating polo.
The tournament attracted a high-quality field including India’s Samir Suhag and Argentina’s Andres Weisz, both 5-goal players. Famous names of nobility such as Prince Carl-Eugen Oettingen-Wallerstein and his wife Princess Anna of Bavaria also took part.
Set in the majestic shadows of Umaid Bhawan Palace, the tournament welcomed guests of Royal Salute from 26 – 31 December. They were hosted by His Highness and guest of honour, Torquhil Ian Campbell the 13th Duke of Argyll. VIPs from every continent enjoyed five days of international polo, which culminated in the exclusive Royal Salute Golden Jubilee Ball.
Polo has long been associated with Asia, where the sport expanded from ancient Persia to India, China and beyond. It was played at the 2007 Southeast Asia Games and has recently become one of the fastest-growing sports in China, especially among the nation’s young elite. Exclusive polo clubs have been established in Beijing, Shanghai and several other cities within the last decade. The word “polo” is derived from the Tibetan word for ball, “pulu”.
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Neil Macdonald, Global Brand Director for Royal Salute, said, “There is no event quite like the Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup. With stunning parties and a world-class 10-goal tournament, our guests have enjoyed a spectacular few days. Royal Salute is dedicated to bringing polo to a larger audience, especially in fast-growing countries like India and China, and with this event we feel like we have gotten the New Year off to a great start.”
The Maharaja’s famous New Year’s Eve procession and celebration at Mehrangarh Fort provided an unforgettable conclusion to the Jodhpur polo season, with an extraordinary spectacle of traditional dance, music, fireworks and festivities, ending on the rooftop above the city with a party under the stars.
The Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup further highlights Royal Salute’s growing commitment to international polo, with sponsorships of the world’s most prestigious events across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. The Royal Salute World Polo Series continues in January 2012 at the Royal Salute Nations Cup in Dubai.
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