Riding High
MARWAR | Calcutta Polo Club, the oldest in the world, is gearing up to celebrate its 155th anniversary next year. However, things were not always this exciting, and in 1998 the club had almost become defunct. The club was given a new lease of life when, in 2005, Keshav Bangur took over the reins as president. In a Q&A session with MARWAR, Bangur speaks about his hometown in Rajasthan and his home turf in Kolkata.
How does it feel to be associated with the oldest polo club of the world?
The Calcutta Polo Club is a world heritage club established during 1861-62 by a group of British army men. The rule book of modern polo was set up by this club. It hosts ‘Ezra Cup’, the first-ever instituted polo trophy of the world. I have grown up watching polo being played in the middle of the racecourse at the Pat Williamson Polo Grounds, Kolkata.
I took up the role of the club’s president without batting an eyelid when the opportunity came knocking on my door around 2005. I have not looked back since and have tried my best to nurture and add value to this priceless brand.
What does being a Marwari in Kolkata mean to you?
We feel at home in Kolkata. Like a true-blue Marwari in this city, I am committed to Kolkata and to a large extent have adapted to its culture.
