HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana recently graced the BMW-B Grimm Thai Polo Open 2014, a charity polo tournament that is part of the Asia League. Held at the Thai Polo and Equestrian Club,
Pattaya, the tournament saw KotaSAS-IBIL from Malaysia compete against the Thai Polo Team for the
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Cup.
Proceeds from the 11th annual Thai Polo Open, organised by the B Grimm Group in co-operation with the BMW Group (Thailand), were donated to support education at Chitralada Vocational School under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Guests who attended the polo match had much to distract them apart from the exciting matches. The afternoon started with a show jumping competition followed by a parade of children in costume, children riding small polo ponies and a polo exhibition.
The highlight of the afternoon began with HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, Thailand's own
equestrian princess, leading a grand polo parade for the finals onto the field. The princess then threw the ball down the centre of a line-up of players to mark the official start of the polo match.
The final match was divided into five seven-minute chukkas, and at half-time, guests had fun taking part in the tradition of stomping the divots to help flatten the turf torn up by the horses' hooves during the match. The tradition allows guests to show off their colourful outfits and hats, very much a part of the polo tradition.
The tough match was finally won by the hosts, the Thai Polo Team, who beat KotaSAS-IBIL from
Malaysia with a score of 8-6 to retain the title.
The event concluded with a presentation ceremony when the cup was presented to the winning team comprising Caroline Link, Lucas Labat, Agustin Garcia Grossi and Manuel Cereceda by HRH Princess
Sirivannavari Nariratana. Winding up the event was a stunning fireworks display, a cocktail party and barbecue dinner by the pool.
Apichart Sudswang, Avasada Pocmontri, Assoc Prof Nareewan Chintakanond, Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan and Penprapa Decharaj.
