Adrian Frater, News Editor

Byles

WESTERN BUREAU:

INTERNATIONAL POLO will return to Jamaica this Sunday when the touring Indian team open their much-anticipated four-match series against the national team at the scenic Chukka Blue site in Sandy Bay, Hanover, starting at 4:00 p.m.

The Indians, whose team feature several world-class polo profes-sionals, flew into the island earlier this week courtesy of Virgin Atlantic.

They will be battling their Jamaican counterparts for the FirstCaribbean Wealth Manage-ment Jaipur Polo Trophy.

Enjoying popularity

Although polo's origin is embedded in ancient Persia, it is in India that this so-called 'Sports of Kings' has seen its renaissance since medieval times. Polo is said to be enjoying unprecedented popularity in India at this time.

"Fostering relationship with overseas nations is a key component to the modern Indian game, hence this historic trip to Jamaica, where equestrian sports have enjoyed increasing popularity over the past two decades," said a release from FirstCaribbean, main sponsors of the tour.

The Jamaican team for the series will be led by John Byles (two goals) and is expected to include well-known polo personality Andy Vernon (four goals), Shane Chin (two goals) and Kurt Chin (four goals).

Indian team

The Indian team is being led by Vishal Singh (four goal), who has won several high-goal tourna-ments, including the Indian Open and has represented his country against United States, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, Portugal and Pakistan.

Singh will be supported by the likes of Vicky Nihalani, (two goals), Ajit Singh (two goals) and Bhupinder, who are all renowned faces on the international circuit.

Following Sunday's first match, the Indians and the Jamaicans will meet again on Thursday, May 15, and Saturday, May 17, at the Drax Hall Polo & Equestrian Centre, in St Ann, before closing the series next Sunday, May 18, with the fourth and final game at the Kingston Polo Club.