The LaLiT Suri Exhibition Polo 2009

The LaLiT Suri Exhibition Polo 2009

Hon'ble Chief Minister of J&K Shri Omar Abdullah inaugurated the event. Match was played in traditional polo style between the local polo team and the visiting team of The LaLiT with players of  international repute. Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group (a Bharat Hotels enterprise) created this initiative as a long term commitment to developing the game in the region.

Date: 08:00 AM - 18 Aug 2009

Location: Drass, Srinagar
Jammu and Kashmir
India

Other Details : Hon'ble Chief Minister of J&K Shri Omar Abdullah inaugurated the event
Match was played in traditional polo style between the local polo team and the visiting team of The LaLiT with players of international repute
Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group (a Bharat Hotels enterprise) created this initiative as a long term commitment to developing the game in the region.

It is The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group’s on going commitment to the people of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and the desire to give impetus to the local passion for the game of ‘Polo’ – which saw the realisation of The LaLiT Suri Exhibition Polo 2009 – which was organised in its first year at Drass, Jammu & Kashmir on August 18, 2009.

The Viswanathan Stadium at Drass, at an altitude of 3280 meters, witnessed an absolutely amazing morning (which was celebrated as a holiday by the locals). A carnival atmosphere prevailed, as players of international repute got to pit their skills against the strength of the best amongst the area’s polo fanatics.

Polo as it has been traditionally played in the region over centuries got exposed to the world!

The LaLiT team was captained by Jai Shergill, who was accompanied by team mates Angaad Kalhan, Pawandeep (Tony) S Kohli, Ransher Singh with coach Brig V P Singh and the well known compere and polo expert from Delhi - Pradeep (Bogey) Rao.

The Drass team, whereas, was presided by Mohammed Amin, President Polo Promotion Club Drass.

Early morning of August 18th saw the key players from the Six local Polo clubs play each other. Mr. Amin then shortlisted the best 8 players – who in turn played the main exhibition match with The LaLiT Team. The winning team with score 3-2 was The LaLiT team, the proud holders of the 2009 The LaLiT Suri Exhibition Polo TROPHY.

Shri Omar Abdullah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of J & K graced this momentous occasion with his presence and also presented awards and the trophy to the winning team. Speaking on the occasion, he said “We are delighted to see such huge turn out for the game, we laud the efforts of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group who organised this event. We believe that with the support of private participation, we can achieve development in the valley region”

Additionally, Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group hosted lunch for all the spectators present - lunch was prepared by a local kitchen at Drass – serving Rogan Josh, Rista, Hak Saag and rice -  freshly made ‘Jalebies’ as dessert.

A long term commitment to the Region and the Game by The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group - Dr. Jyotsna Suri says ‘The inaugural event, will not be a one time affair – each year The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group will organise the same – taking it to the level of inter-club/inter-region tournaments.’

Further the commitment to the year round development of the game has also been made by Dr. Jyotsna Suri – by developing Polo grounds in the area and also equipping the local polo clubs - with polo balls, sticks etc. She also said that, ‘the Group will look at other opportunities to help develop tourism in the region.’