Faiz Siddique Interview: "Bangalore shows lots of enthusiasm towards polo"

He has been on the polo circuit for over a decade now. Having trained himself in one of the best stables in Argentina, Major Faiz Siddique is an ambitious man. He aims to make Bangalore a Polo loving city, and is tirelessly working towards it at least until his posting lasts here. He is passionate about horses and he displays the same when he is saddled up for a game of polo.

In a free-wheeling chat with Sportskeeda, he talks about the polo season that began in Bangalore today and about Bangalore’s interest in the sport…

Can you explain about the arena polo since it’s not what’s played at a competitive level?

It’s more like an exhibition match. We start at around 7 in the morning and it goes on till 10pm. The fact that it is played under lights gives this a festive atmosphere, and with the DJ playing in the back and a fashion show after the match, will only add to the glamour. Arena polo is played on a smaller ground and hence gets easier for first timers to follow the sport better.

What’s the response you get for polo in Bangalore?

People in Bangalore have shown a lot of enthusiasm. The response to Polo is improving by the passing year. They want to come ride, learn polo and even want their kids to pursue the sport.

Is the event restricted for civilians?

There is no restriction for civilians to come watch the matches. You know, when there’s any event happening in an army establishment, civilians hesitate to come. Especially when you refer to polo, people presume that it can’t be free of cost. The army is not charging any entry fee and anyone can come watch the matches. The whole purpose of hosting the season here is to promote the sport among civilians.

Can you elaborate on the growth of polo in Bangalore?

When I started off in Bangalore, there were fewer kids. But over the past year and a half, we have been able to build a team of 15 players who can play good polo. This number is more than what we had seen in the past 15 years put together. We have even taken six of the best players to play in Hyderabad and Delhi to gain exposure.

Is there anyone from Bangalore with a non-army background who has taken to the sport and done well?

Well in the Indian circuit, Dhruvpal Godhara and Manupal Godhara are good examples of civilians taking to the sport. Speaking of Bangaloreans, This boy called Pranav Kapoor picked up the sport inspired by what he had seen during one such Bangalore polo season. He recently moved to Delhi and bought five horses. Sahara hired him to play for their team and he was to play in Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Mumbai, but unfortunately suffered an injury during the game in Jaipur and had to pull out of the event.

Since you mentioned injury, isn’t this a big worry for parents who want their kids to pursue the sport?

Well yes, injury is a worry. It is a dangerous contact sport. There is an element of fear, but if you train well enough, the chances of getting hurt is reduced drastically.

Can you tell us about how you got into the sport?

Since I grew up during an era when television played Tippu Sultan, I was drawn towards horses and fancied riding them. When I joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) when I was 19, I had an opportunity to learn riding and that’s when I discovered my interest towards polo.

Don’t you find it pressurising to balance playing polo and pursuing a job of a soldier?

Well, when I am posted in the field like in the borders, etc., I can’t dedicate time for polo. But whenever I have the time, I’d love to be playing the sport. There is no pressure at all. For me, it couldn’t have gotten better.