New Delhi, Oct 7 (NationPress) Simran Singh Shergill, an Arjuna awardee and prominent figure in Indian polo, emphasizes the necessity of increasing grassroots tournaments to enhance the talent pool and elevate the sport's profile in India. This initiative aims to transition polo from its niche status to a more mainstream recognition.

In a candid discussion with IANS, Shergill explored the current landscape of polo in India, highlighting the dwindling number of players and the potential impact of more corporate-sponsored leagues.

"Regrettably, the current player base in Indian polo has diminished. While this trend is not uncommon, it has led to a noticeable drop in both young and veteran players. However, there are promising young talents emerging, which gives us hope for a revitalized player community in the coming years. Sadly, the numbers are still low at this stage," Shergill shared with IANS.

"We must prioritize the organization of more entry-level tournaments, steering clear of high-goal formats. These grassroots events will foster greater participation, allowing lower-handicap players to compete in more robust teams and enhancing their chances of success.

"Having more grassroots tournaments is crucial for participation. Lower-handicap players should have opportunities in competitive teams, increasing their chances to win. Furthermore, we need more junior tournaments across various centers to support and promote young talent. This is essential for the sport's growth in India,” he continued.

Shergill, who has represented India on the world stage and led the Jindal Panther Polo Team to significant victories, faced challenges from recent flooding in the Yamuna, which affected his preparation for the upcoming season, starting with the Delhi leg.

"Our preparations were progressing well until we faced flooding at our Noida base. The Yamuna overflowed due to heavy rains, inundating our polo fields and stables. We are currently working to restore our grounds to resume play,” he explained.

“We are looking forward to the Delhi season, expected to commence in the third week of October. Our ability to host competitions will depend on how quickly we can rehabilitate the fields after the floods, which left behind sand and mud,” Shergill added.

As a mentor to the next generation of players, Shergill praised his teammates, including captain Naveen Jindal and several international players.

“We are fortunate to have Naveen Jindal, an exceptional player. Siddhant Sharma is also part of our team. Naveen's son, Venkatesh, has begun playing and had a productive stint in England over the summer, participating in several tournaments. He is in great shape,” he noted.

“Additionally, we are welcoming international players like Nicholas Corti-Medina, who has a 5-goal rating, Gracia Grossi with 6 goals, and Salvador Horaci, also with 5 goals. Their inclusion is exciting as we gear up for the season,” he expressed.

The 42-year-old polo star further emphasized how corporate engagement could transform the sport's image in India.

"Unlike many global regions where polo is managed by corporate entities, Indian polo still relies heavily on state representation. Incorporating a commercial model similar to the IPL, where players have ample opportunities, would attract more corporates and raise the sport's visibility, ultimately encouraging player participation,” he said.

When asked about the potential inclusion of polo in the Khelo India programme, Shergill responded, "This move would significantly enhance accessibility, drawing in newcomers to the sport. Greater visibility and advertising will undoubtedly benefit polo. Every opportunity to participate in various tournaments will positively impact the game.”

“For anyone interested in polo, I encourage them to stay fit, maintain health, engage in regular practice, and work diligently,” he concluded.