Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

John G Byles of the NCB Blue team and Mitta Rousseau of the NCB Black team challenge each other during the NCB Capital Markets High Goal Polo Challenge at the Kingston Polo Club on Sunday. - Ian Allen

International Polo at its best comes to the island from May 11-18, as an all-Indian team travels to Montego Bay, Drax Hall and the Kingston Polo Club for a four-match series to compete for the coveted Jaipur Polo Trophy.

The First Caribbean Wealth Management-sponsored series will kick off on Sunday, May 11 at the Chukka Blue in Montego Bay starting at 4:00 p.m. Match two and three of the series is scheduled to take place at the St Ann Polo Club and Equestrian Centre, Drax Hall, on May 15 and 17 at 4:00 p.m. The event will culminate at the Kingston Polo Club, Caymanas Estate, on Sunday, May 18 at 10:00 a.m.

The Jamaican team will be led by captain, John Byles. Other members of the team for the series will include Andy Vernon, and brothers Shane and Kurt Chin. Angad Kalaan will head the Indian delegation that will feature several world-class polo professionals including Vishal Singh, Vicky Nihalani, Ajit Singh and Bhupinder Singh.

Although polo's origin is embedded in ancient Persia, it is in India that this so-called 'Sport of Kings' has seen its renaissance since medieval times. Polo is said to be currently enjoying unprecedented popularity in India.

"Fostering relationship with overseas nations is a key component to the modern Indian game, hence this historic trip to Jamaica where equestrian sports have enjoyed increasing popularity over the past two decades," said a release from First Caribbean, main sponsors of the tour.

Event sponsors also include Virgin Atlantic, who sponsored the team and have flown them all the way from India. Round Hill and Jamaica Inn will accommodate them during their stay in Jamaica. Audi, Jamaica Tours, Royal Shop and Tropical Jewellers have also come together to ensure the success of this historic event.