Maharaja Pacho Revives Jaipur’s Polo Legacy
Padmanabh Singh revives Jaipur Polo with global triumphs.
At 27, HH Sawai Padmanabh Singh, fondly called Pacho, is redefining the world of polo with a blend of royal legacy and modern ambition. Leading the Jaipur Polo Team, the young Maharaja has steered his squad to an astonishing 12 victories in 14 finals during the 2024–25 season, reestablishing Jaipur as a global polo powerhouse. From Rajasthan’s vibrant fields to the elite Guards Polo Club in the UK, Pacho’s leadership is breathing new life into a sport deeply rooted in India’s royal heritage.
Pacho’s journey began at 17 on the prestigious grounds of Guards Polo Club, where he played his first competitive match. Educated at Millfield School in Somerset and in Rome, where he studied cultural heritage, Pacho merges a global perspective with a commitment to tradition. “Polo is more than a sport—it’s Jaipur’s pride and India’s soul,” he said in a recent interview. His vision to revive the Jaipur Polo Team, dormant for decades, culminated in a triumphant 2024, with wins in the Rajmata Gayatri Devi Memorial Cup and the Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup. His iconic 120-yard goal in the latter, dubbed the “goal of the year,” has become a legend in polo circles.
Beyond the field, Pacho is democratizing the sport through the Sawai Man Singh Polo Academy, named after his great-grandfather. The academy provides training, ponies, and opportunities to young players from diverse backgrounds. “Talent shouldn’t be limited by privilege,” Pacho asserts, emphasizing inclusivity. His team’s vibrant pachranga jersey, inspired by Jaipur’s five-colored flag, symbolizes this fusion of heritage and progress.
Also Read: Sinquefield Cup: Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh Hold Ground
Off the field, Pacho is a steward of Jaipur’s cultural legacy, restoring palaces, conserving temples, and promoting heritage tourism. His philanthropy, focused on education and skill-building for women, underscores his commitment to empowering future generations. As a global ambassador for U.S. Polo Assn., he showcases India’s polo culture in destinations like Sotogrande and St. Moritz, backed by sponsors like AU Small Finance Bank and the Adani Group.
The 2025 UK tour was a defining moment, with the Jaipur Polo Team clinching the revived Jaipur Trophy at Guards Polo Club in a rain-drenched final. The event, featuring the Indian Polo Challenge Shield and a cultural showcase with Bharatanatyam and Indian cuisine, celebrated UK-India ties. “We now have ten full-sized polo fields in Jaipur,” Pacho noted, signaling the city’s readiness to host global tournaments.
With the 2025–26 season approaching, Pacho’s team is gearing up for matches in India and invitations from Europe to the Middle East. His leadership is transforming polo from an elite pastime into an inclusive, dynamic sport. “Polo was born in India,” he says with conviction. “It’s time for us to lead again, with purpose.” As the Jaipur Polo Team prepares for its next chapter, Pacho’s vision is clear: to build a lasting legacy that honors the past while inspiring the future.
