Sanawar Polo-2025: A celebration of legacy, equestrian sport
The Old Sanawarian Society (OSS) hosted much-anticipated Sanawar Polo 2025 at Jaipur Polo Grounds, Delhi Race Club, on Sunday.
The event celebrated the rich heritage and camaraderie of alumni from The Lawrence School, Sanawar, showcasing a blend of athleticism, tradition and sporting excellence.
The prestigious event was graced by chief guest Col Ravinder S ‘Pickles’ Sodhi (retd), Arjuna Awardee, alongside his wife, Nafisa Ali, a renowned actress and social activist. The event also welcomed distinguished guests such as Rakesh Chopra, chairman of Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, Saroj Punhani, former Deputy CAG, Ashok Bhatia, ex-MD of ITC Hotels, and Vipin Sondhi, ex-MD of Ashok Leyland.
The event began with a thrilling cycle polo exhibition match featuring two teams — Himalaya/Nilgiri and Shiwalik/Vindhya. The match was a display of skilled mallet work and athleticism, with players like Col HM Preeenja, Col VS Kahlon VSM, Angad Kalaan, and Col Navjit S Sandhu, among others, showing their prowess on the field.
The marquee polo match followed pitting the Lower Barnes team against Upper Barnes. Players, including Col VS Kahlon, Deepak Udar, Angad Kalaan and Col Navjit S Sandhu, from both teams showcased exceptional equestrian abilities and tactical skill, leaving the audience spellbound.
Lt Col Sameer Chaudhary and Manu Mehta served as umpires for the match, while Col Shakti Singh Rathore and Pradeep ‘Bogey’ Rao provided expert commentary.
The Army Pipes & Drums team also delivered a captivating performance, adding to the event’s grandeur. The event was meticulously organised by Tournament Committee chairman Rajesh Sahgal, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
The Barnes Team emerged victorious, lifting the Sanawar Polo 2025 Trophy. Winners and runners-up of both exhibition matches were felicitated by Col Ravinder S ‘Pickles’ Sodhi (retd), Pankaj Sapru and senior representatives from Exotic Group and Godrej Fund Management.
