Historic Jaipur Polo Ground Faces Eviction Threat After Championship Final
The Jindal Steel Indian Open Polo Championship final concluded with a bittersweet atmosphere, as the specter of eviction notices issued to the Delhi Race Club and the Indian Polo Association (IPA) cast a dark shadow over the prestigious event. According to a report by The Times of India, the Land & Development Office (L&DO), operating under the Ministry of Urban Affairs, has formally served notices to both organizations, demanding they vacate the iconic Jaipur Polo Ground and the Delhi Race Course. This sudden development has triggered strong and emotional reactions from the polo community gathered at the final match.
Naveen Jindal Appeals for Government Sympathy
Naveen Jindal, Vice President of the Indian Polo Association, addressed the alarming reports immediately after the game. "This is the only ground that the Indian Polo Association has in the country," Jindal emphasized, highlighting the critical importance of the venue. He elaborated, "This (Jaipur Polo Ground) is a historic playground. We have received an eviction notice from the government stating that we must vacate the Jaipur Polo Ground within the next three days."
Jindal passionately detailed the ground's rich legacy, noting that polo has been played there for over a century. He recalled the iconic 1922 match between Jodhpur and Patiala, which drew an extraordinary crowd of over 150,000 spectators. "This ground has welcomed some of the most eminent leaders of the country and remains the heart of Indian polo as the home of the Indian Polo Association," he stated. "It is a heritage not only of Delhi, but of India. Polo is India’s gift to the world."
Describing the polo ground as "the heart and lungs of the city," Jindal added, "We have requested the government, and we are hopeful it will see reason. This ground is extremely important. This is an open space, and it matters. Polo is important for India’s heritage and culture, and we hope the government will view this sympathetically." He concluded with a heartfelt plea, "Delhi cannot be the same without Jaipur Polo Grounds. We need your good wishes and prayers. I hope we can preserve this ground so that we can continue to play the sport."
Padmanabh Singh Highlights Global Significance
The venue's immense value was further underscored by Padmanabh Singh, a member of the Jaipur royal family who played for Jaipur Optiemus Achievers during the championship. "Polo is truly a gift from India to the world, and the global growth of the sport owes a great deal to this country," he asserted. Singh placed Jaipur Polo Ground among the most iconic polo grounds globally, established by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh ji.
"This ground has been at the heart of the sport for over a century, hosting Indian and international players and some of the country’s most prestigious tournaments," he explained. "For the entire polo community, this venue holds immense value generations of players, including us, have played here." Situated in the heart of Delhi, Singh noted it is not only a historic sporting venue but also a vital green space. He made a sincere appeal: "I sincerely appeal to the polo community to come together to preserve and protect this ground so that we can continue to play here for the next hundred years."
The eviction notices have sparked a unified call to action from key figures in Indian polo, emphasizing the ground's historical, cultural, and sporting significance. The community now awaits the government's response, hoping for a resolution that preserves this cherished piece of India's sporting heritage.
