India Takes Centre Stage at an International Celebration of Polo
Edited by Anna Popper
“The Art of Polo in Style in Hungary” is more than just the motto of the La Estancia Polo Cup 2026 – it embodies the philosophy of an event that has become one of Central Europe’s most prestigious polo and lifestyle occasions. The tournament, held on the weekend ending 14 June 2026 at the prestigious La Estancia Polo Club in Etyek, just outside Budapest, once again confirmed its position as Hungary’s leading polo event.
Bringing together world-class sport, diplomacy, luxury brands and exceptional hospitality, the four-day event welcomed six teams representing nine countries, nearly 70 polo horses, approximately 550 invited guests, and 28 ambassadors, creating an atmosphere where sporting excellence met international friendship.
By seamlessly combining elite polo with fine gastronomy, premium international brands, cultural exchange, and diplomatic networking, the La Estancia Polo Cup has become one of the most prestigious polo and lifestyle events in Central Europe, where excellence on the field is matched by elegance, hospitality and meaningful international connections.
Honouring India’s Polo Heritage
This year’s edition placed India in the spotlight. Under the patronage of His Excellency Shri Anshuman Gaur, Ambassador of India to Hungary, the tournament paid tribute to India’s unique role in the history of polo. Although the game’s origins date back to ancient Persia, the modern form of polo evolved in India before spreading to Great Britain and eventually to the rest of the world, making the Ambassador’s patronage especially significant.
In a conversation Ambassador Gaur described polo as an integral part of India’s cultural and equestrian heritage, emphasizing that “India is the cradle of modern polo, which evolved from the traditional game of Sagol Kangjei in Manipur”. He also described the tournament as “a meeting of two historic horse cultures” that share common values of courage, precision and an enduring bond between rider and horse.
The participation of an Indian team represented not only a sporting competition. It symbolized the deepening friendship between India and Hungary and demonstrated how sport can strengthen cultural understanding and create lasting people-to-people connections.
Bringing Nations Together
The celebrations began in Budapest with a press event at the elegant Kimpton BEM Hotel, where players, sponsors, diplomats, media representatives and invited guests gathered ahead of the tournament.
The six competing teams, representing nine countries – Hungary, Germany, Slovakia, the Netherlands, the United States, Czechia, Austria, Argentina and India – were introduced wearing their specially designed team jerseys, reflecting both their sponsors and international identities.
The evening also underscored the event’s strong diplomatic dimension. Guests enjoyed the generous hospitality of the Ambassador of Peru, H.E. Edgard Perez Alvan, offering their signature Pisco Sour cocktails that added an authentic South American flavour.
The international atmosphere continued at India House, where Ambassador Gaur hosted a reception for players, diplomats, sponsors and distinguished guests. More than a social gathering, the reception reinforced the tournament’s role as a platform for cultural diplomacy and international dialogue.
The La Estancia Experience
The social programme culminated with a gala dinner at Budapest’s legendary Gundel Restaurant, where guests enjoyed the outstanding cuisine and the exceptional hospitality of the hosts – perfectly in keeping with the sophisticated atmosphere for which the La Estancia Polo Cup has become renowned.
Behind this great success stands the German–Hungarian Zimmermann family. Founded in 1998 by Uwe and Krisztina Zimmermann, the La Estancia Polo Club has grown from a private family retreat, inspired by Argentine polo traditions, into Hungary’s leading polo destination.
Together with their sons, Maximilian and Philipp, both accomplished polo players, the family has created far more than a sporting venue.
Today, La Estancia is a meeting place where diplomacy, business, culture and sport converge in a unique setting.
Partners of Excellence
The prestige of the La Estancia Polo Cup is reflected not only in its sporting programme but also in the outstanding network of sponsors and partners who contribute to its success.
Principal partners included Hublot, Falconeri–Motorclassic, Autopoint Brabus, BPL Yachts, Gundel–Unicum and Ganz KK–Areus, while supporting sponsors such as Turkish Airlines, KIMPTON BEM BUDAPEST, Veuve Clicquot, Peroni, Franui, Fishmonger, Herz Coffee, Coninvest–Berkel and many others further enriched the event.
Throughout the tournament day, guests enjoyed an exceptional culinary experience with an abundance of gourmet delicacies, premium beverages and fine hospitality provided by the event’s distinguished partners, creating an atmosphere of elegance and conviviality.
The cultural programme added another memorable dimension to the event.
The acclaimed Hungarian MERO fashion brand, founded by designer Péter Mérő, presented a selection of its elegant creations in a unique open-air fashion show on the La Estancia Polo Club field.
Ballet dancers gracefully brought the designs to life, accompanied by music and vocal performances, creating a captivating artistic spectacle against the beautiful backdrop of the La Estancia estate.
Together, the sporting excellence, refined gastronomy, artistic performances and impeccable hospitality transformed the La Estancia Polo Cup into a unique celebration of luxury, craftsmanship and sophisticated living, perfectly embodying the spirit of “The Art of Polo in Style in Hungary”.
Champions on the Field
The sporting programme matched the prestige of the event’s social and diplomatic calendar. Throughout the weekend, spectators enjoyed fast-paced and competitive matches played in a spirit of fairness, respect and outstanding sportsmanship. Nearly seventy polo horses were brought to Hungary to ensure the highest standard of play, while the participation of four female players further highlighted the inclusive and increasingly international character of modern polo.
After three days of thrilling competition, Team Mundota Fort & Palace Jaipur (India) emerged as the tournament champion, with Deepak Udar, Anant Rajpurohit, Raghav Rao.
Team Autopoint Brabus – BPL Yachts secured second place, while Team Motorclassic – Falconeri and Team Ganz KK – Areus shared third place. Team Hublot finished fifth, followed by Team Gundel – Unicum in sixth.
In recognition of their participation and sporting spirit, all players received an artfully crafted commemorative prize from the renowned Zsolnay Porcelain Manufactory, established in Pécs in 1853, one of Hungary’s most prestigious symbols of artistic craftsmanship.
India’s victory carried particular significance, complementing the patronage of His Excellency Shri Anshuman Gaur, Ambassador of India to Hungary, and celebrating the country’s enduring relationship with the sport.
A Project Beyond Hungary
Looking beyond the success of the 2026 edition, the organizers unveiled an exciting new chapter for the La Estancia Polo community. Together with Lošinj Hotels & Villas, they announced the inaugural Lošinj Polo Cup, scheduled to take place in May 2027 on the Island of Lošinj in Croatia. The idea reflects the organizers’ continuing ambition to expand the reach of the La Estancia brand while preserving the values that have made the tournament a hallmark of excellence in Central Europe.
Building Bridges Through Polo
As another memorable edition came to a close, one message resonated throughout the weekend: polo is far more than a sport. At La Estancia, it serves as a bridge between cultures, bringing together diplomats, business leaders, athletes and friends from around the world in an atmosphere of mutual respect and shared experiences.
The La Estancia Polo Cup 2026 demonstrated how sporting excellence, diplomacy, hospitality and cultural exchange can coexist in perfect harmony. Reflecting this spirit, Ambassador Gaur emphasized the role of sport in strengthening international understanding. He concluded with a message that perfectly captured the essence of the tournament: “Sportspeople have the unique ability to bring people closer together and foster deeper understanding in ways that words alone cannot”.
The polo event in 2026 proved precisely that. More than a tournament, it was a celebration of heritage, elegance and friendship, where every match, every conversation and every shared experience reinforced the power of sport to connect nations.
The organizers expressed their sincere gratitude to all the players, sponsors, partners and supporters who contributed to the success of this grand event, with special appreciation extended to His Excellency Shri Anshuman Gaur, Ambassador of India to Hungary, for his valued patronage and support.
Diplomatic Press Agency was the official media partner of the La Estancia Polo Cup 2026.
Source and photos: La Estancia Polo Club and La Estancia Polo Cup 2026
