Team England won the first ever Asian snow polo tournament, which was held at the Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club, China.
The week-long event attracted roughly 1,000 spectators per day who saw six national teams competing for the grand prize: England, Argentina, France, New Zealand and Australia as well as the hosts, Team Hong Kong Goldin. It was also the first ever snow polo tournament to feature professional players sanctioned by their national associations.
The Most Valuable Player Award went to Santiago Gaztambide from Team Argentina, while the Best Pony Award went to Hazard.
A variety of international polo dignitaries were spotted in attendance including Harald Link, President of the Southeast Asian Equestrian Association; John Tinsley, the Director of Hurlingham Polo Association; Gordon Gibson, President of the New Zealand Polo Association; and Howard Hipwood, Hurlingham Polo Association Adjudicator and former England National Team Captain, who was also manager for Team England.
Chairman Pan said: “I am delighted that this tournament attracted so much attention around the world, and that it excited and thrilled so many people. Our thanks go to all the participating polo teams, officials from the polo community, our sponsors and our special guests for their invaluable support. I am confident that this will become a major event on China’s winter sports calendar.”
“Through events and tournaments hosted at Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club, we hope to play a part in making Tianjin a landmark destination, and contribute to its overall progress towards its deserved status as an international city.”
Each member of Team England was presented with a handcrafted crystal trophy.
