Maharajah to lead India at Windsor Polo Club

At just 25 years old, Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh, affectionately known as ‘Pacho’, is making waves in the world of polo. Hailing from the pink city of Jaipur in the north western Indian state of Rajistan, Singh is not only a royal figure but also a passionate polo player. Indeed, he was the son of the previous maharajah’s sister and later adopted so he could have a male heir. 

On  April 7, the Hawkesbury will witness a clash of titans as Padmanabh Singh leads his Indian team in the Ord Minnett Polo International. The stage is set for an exhilarating match, as India goes head-to-head against a well-credentialled Australian team, promising a spectacular day at Windsor Polo Club.

Though his royal title may not hold legal recognition in India’s democratic republic, Padmanabh Singh’s lineage commands respect in a nation where tradition and heritage still hold much sway. Following the death of his grandfather, Sawai Man Singhji Bahadur, in 2011, Padmanabh Singh assumed the role of maharaja, continuing a legacy that stretches back through centuries of Jaipur’s rich history. Polo also runs in his blood. His grandfather Man Singh II, the last maharajah to be officially recognised, was in the Indian team that won the 10 goal polo World Cup in 1931 with a love for the sport. 

Polo isn’t merely a pastime for Singh it’s his stated profession and ingrained in his upbringing. His journey to Australia is not just about competition, it’s a celebration of the sport and the bonds it fosters across borders.