Riding Forward : A Personal Journey with Polo and Purpose
Growing up, I was fascinated by horses. There was something about their strength, elegance, and silent grace that deeply moved me. When I was just six years old, my father gifted me my first horse. That moment didn’t just ignite a passion—it sparked a lifelong bond with riding that has shaped who I am.
At the age of 18, I discovered polo—a sport that combines strategy, power, and precision like no other. Since then, polo has been more than just a game for me. It has been a passion, a discipline, and a mission. Over the years, I have not only played the game with all my heart but also actively championed its revival and growth in India.
Polo is more than a sport; it is a living embodiment of India's rich heritage. As the captain of the Jindal Panther team and the patron of the Jindal Steel Indian Open Polo Championship, I feel privileged to contribute to bringing this majestic sport back into the national spotlight. Through this championship, we are not merely showcasing top-tier talent—we are building an entire ecosystem where young players can dream, train, and excel.
Reviving polo in India requires a multidimensional approach, rooted in inclusion and innovation. I believe it begins at the grassroots. When children and young adults are introduced to the sport in schools and colleges, it sparks not only curiosity but also the ambition to excel. The next generation of champions can emerge only when opportunities reach every corner of society, beyond traditional boundaries.
Equally important is making the sport more visible. When people can see and understand the nuances of polo—through live matches, digital storytelling, and media engagement—it no longer feels distant or exclusive. It becomes relatable, exciting, and aspirational.
Access to proper infrastructure plays a vital role in shaping any sport. Quality equestrian training centers and riding schools, open to all, are essential for nurturing talent. We must create platforms where passionate individuals can train with discipline, regardless of where they come from.
Sustained support, both from the corporate world and from government institutions, is key. Strategic investments will help polo gain stability and popularity. The sport’s growth should be treated not just as a cultural revival, but as an opportunity to build character, leadership, and national pride.
For me, the journey of polo has always run parallel to a larger journey in sport. I have had the privilege of representing India as a national-level skeet shooter. Captaining the Indian team at the 2004 South Asian Federation Games and setting a national record remain defining moments in my life. These experiences taught me invaluable lessons—about discipline, resilience, and the unwavering focus required to rise above challenges. Lessons that transcend the boundaries of sports and shape how we live, work, and lead.
Polo demands more than skill—it demands strength, agility, and mental clarity. Maintaining peak fitness is not optional. My daily routine includes weight training, swimming, yoga, and mental conditioning through meditation and visualization. I see fitness not as a vanity metric, but as a fundamental pillar of overall well-being and clarity of thought.
Polo has its own aesthetic—a blend of elegance and performance. On the field, I choose functionality: classic jerseys, sturdy jodhpurs, and performance-oriented boots that support intense play. Off the field, I’m drawn to timeless Indian silhouettes—bandhgalas, Nehru jackets, designs that marry tradition and modernity. Style, for me, is an extension of identity and culture.
At the Naveen Jindal Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of sport. It is not only a means of recreation or recognition, but also a vehicle for empowerment. Our support for underprivileged girls through the Yashasvi Scholarship is rooted in the same philosophy—empowering young lives through opportunity, education, and self-belief. In our health and rural development programs too, sports is often a silent yet powerful enabler—instilling discipline, confidence, and teamwork. Polo, in particular, embodies these values while also evoking a deep sense of pride in Indian heritage.
India stands at a unique crossroads—blessed with tradition and brimming with potential. We have all the ingredients to become a global force in equestrian sports. What we need now is a shared vision and the commitment to build the necessary ecosystem. I am determined to help lead this journey—not just to preserve polo’s legacy, but to shape its future.
My dream is to see Indian youth embrace sports not just for medals or fame, but for the character it builds. I want to see children from every background dream of saddling up, charging ahead, and holding their heads high. Let us create a future where heritage sports like polo are not forgotten relics, but thriving expressions of our culture and spirit.
Let us ride forward—boldly, proudly, and together.
