The Indigenous Horse Society - Tamil Nadu (IHS TN) announced on Saturday that it will be organizing the world's first-ever Polo Premier League tournament and India's first Equestrian Champions League in Coimbatore this November.

The official announcement and logo launch for both prestigious events took place at Hotel Radisson Blu, Coimbatore on Saturday (20.7.2024) 

V. Balakrishnan IPS, Commissioner of Police, Coimbatore City; Dr. R. Mahendran, Chairman, ExpoVan; Popular Film Actor Prashanth; Nishtashri Srinivasan, Director, Emerald Group; R. Sundar, Joint-Managing Trustee of SNR Sons Charitable Trust; Navaneeth Raj, South India Convener of IHS; and Anusha Ravi, CEO of Park Group of Institutions and S. Balaji, President of IHS-Tamil Nadu together unveiled the logos for the Polo Premier League and Equestrian Champions League.

The two events will be held on November 20th to November 30th at a grand stadium in Vellanaipatti, Coimbatore spread across 40 acres. Its construction is underway.

S.Balaji said that the Polo Premier League will feature six teams representing various cities of Tamil Nadu, including Coimbatore. This groundbreaking league format is a first in the world of polo. On the other hand, the Equestrian Champions League, a national-level event, will see 12 teams competing at international standards. A distinguished jury panel will oversee the matches, ensuring top-tier standards and fairness. 

"We are setting a new standard in the world of equestrian sports in India. Our indigenous horses deserve recognition and appreciation, and through these events we aim to show case their elegance, strength and agility," S.Balaji said.

Speaking at the event, V.Balakrishnan, Commisioner of Police, Coimbatore city said that this concept of Polo Premier League is novel, and IHS - TN deserves appreciation for planning to hold such an event in Coimbatore.

"Horse signifies elegance, power and majesty and we can see those qualities in indigenous horses. What we have missed out is we have failed to preserve native breeds. In the West Zone (of Tamil Nadu) there is a big movement to preserve the native cattle breeds. A similar movement is required to preserve native horse breeds," he said.

R.Sundar, Joint Managing Trustee, SNR Sons Charitable Trust said that both events would provide a great opportunity for kids learning the sport to watch how a human and animal moving in sync can achieve greatness together. 

Actor Prashanth said that Polo is a tough sport and planning to organise a Premier League for the sport is incredible; "it is history in the making already".

While Polo is said to have its origin in Persia, he said Tamils of this great state have been riding the horses for more than 2000 years, and today we are witnessing a revival of this prestigious sport, now.

During the press conference, when the press and media asked whether he would show interest to participate in a celebrity Polo Match, if it would be arranged, he said that he'll be the captain of that team.