Simran Singh Shergill, the Arjuna Award‑winning polo star, says India’s once‑glorious sport needs fresh, lower‑goal tournaments to revive its player base and keep the game alive.
In a candid interview with , Shergill explained why polo has slipped from the national spotlight. “The number of players is dropping,” he said. “Both young and senior riders are fewer now, but we still see bright young talent coming up. We just need more chances for them.”
He urges the polo community to expand entry‑level competitions. “If we have more low‑goal events, more riders can join in,” he argued. “People with smaller handicaps can get real game time, win confidence, and keep playing.” Shergill highlighted junior tournaments as a key solution, giving youngsters a platform to develop and stay motivated.
The 42‑year‑old also talked about his own training disruptions caused by the recent Yamuna flood in Noida, which damaged stables and fields. “The flood filled our grounds with water and mud, so we’re working hard to restore the turf,” he said. “We plan to start the Delhi season in the third week of October once the fields are ready.”
Shergill, who has led the Jindal Panther Polo Team to major victories, praised his teammates, including captain Naveen Jindal and emerging riders like Venkatesh Jindal. He also welcomed the arrival of experienced foreign players—Nicholas Corti‑Medina (5‑goal), Gracia Grossi (6‑goal), and Salvador Horaci (5‑goal)—as a boost for the team’s competitive edge.
Beyond team rides, Shergill sees corporate involvement as a game‑changer for polo in India. “Most professional polo teams worldwide are owned by companies, not states,” he explained. “If India could adopt a commercial league model, similar to the IPL, it would bring more teams, more money, and more visibility. The extra investment would cover horse upkeep and training costs, making the sport more accessible.”
He added that integration with the Khelo India programme could drive wider participation. “The Khelo India platform can help bring polo to a broader audience,” Shergill said. “With more visibility, better advertising and more tournaments, we’ll attract new players and enthusiastic spectators.”
For those considering a jump into polo, Shergill offers a simple playbook: stay fit, remain healthy, practice hard, and work towards a disciplined routine. “If you can commit to good training habits, polo will reward you both on and off the field.”
With a careful mix of grassroots tournaments, corporate sponsorship, and national programmes, Shergill believes India can restore polo’s former prominence and create a sustainable pipeline of future champions.
Source: ianslive
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