'It Is Tough To Make Polo A Spectator-friendly Sport On TV'
Equisport is India’s first organisation offering consultancy and specialised management of Polo and Equestrian sport and is largely responsible for reviving the heritage sport in India since 1996. We spoke to Adhiraj Singh, Owner & CEO of Equisport, on the mega game, and why it has been adjudged as a luxury sport.
What inspired you to start Equisport?
I was always inspired by my grandfather Brig Ajit Singh Sodhi and uncles - Billy Sodhi and Pickes Sodhi - the finest horsemen and polo players, who had the spectacular skills and performances on the polo field. They were my heroes whom I wanted to emulate and win an Arjuna Award, and I did. But most importantly, the versatile animal in the world – horse. To ride one is to be blessed and to gallop on one is an experience beyond compare. And when the horse and rider are in sync there are no words to describe the purity of the experience.
Is there any other sport that you would love to play and why?
Cricket and Tennis. Cricket is a sport we all love and I totally respect it. Watching Roger Federer is truly an encouragement. To have that balance, flair and agelessness is awesome to say the least...poetry in motion.
How has Polo as a sport been positioned in India?
As an extraordinary sport with Royal and Cavalry lineage that is now becoming a corporate-backed, action-packed spectator sport. Outside cricket and football, I would count polo as third on the list for the number of spectators on any given final day. People aspire and dream of the experience, the speed, and the beauty to be able to marvel at daring players of the game.
Polo has always been adjudged as a luxury sport. Is India ready for this kind of sport? Is there enough government support in place?
What do you mean by a luxury sport? The connotation is absolutely wrong as 90% of the people playing the sport are from middle-class backgrounds and of those playing the game casually as a hobby, I would say half are from privileged backgrounds. Those few from privileged backgrounds like Sunjay Kapur and Naveen Jindal are contributing hugely to getting young aspiring players from middle-class backgrounds and the opportunity to explore and hone their talents to become world-class players.
India always was and is ready for polo. There are too much heritage and history associated with it. With Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai having iconic polo fields and facilities in the heart of the cities, it is an ideal destination for viewership and polo finals are watched by spectators in thousands on many occasions. Like the recently held BMW Indian, Open and Yes Bank Indian Masters had record crowds.
A sport like polo should not and does not require government support except for the aspect of allowing and keeping the three world-famous venues alive for polo. Jaipur Polo Ground in New Delhi, Mahalaxmi in Mumbai and Rambagh Ground in Jaipur. All other funding needs to come from private patrons and sponsors. The Indian Polo Association is doing a good job in that respect.
How has the branding of this sport evolved over the years? Are there difficulties faced by the sponsors?
The branding is getting more and more effective especially with the social media coming into play and thereby new and added opportunities for sponsor visibility. The tough task is making it spectator-friendly on television. The large size of field makes it difficult and expensive to televise it the way it should be.
Polo has been associated with fashion. Is there any season’s top fashion trend that you foresee?
The Maharajas drew fashion into polo and today the polo trousers known as Jodhpurs are a fashion mainstay. Ralph Lauren capitalised on the imagery of polo to establish his brand and polo stars and spectators see the polo field as a great fashion platform. Julia Roberts in the film ‘Pretty Woman’ is a classic example. In India, the fashion designers and cognoscenti would do well to explore this opportunity further.
As an entrepreneur, what is that one piece of advice for young sportspersons?
Be focused and be confident. One must be able to face the challenges and to achieve your goals. And finally, always aim really high.
