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 Image from www.russianpolocup.ruRussians horse around with wealth
Polo, the sport of the elite, is becoming popular in Russia. The Moscow region has hosted the annual Mercury Polo Cup 2008, featuring players from Russia, Argentina, the U.S. and Peru. Russian businessmen and top managers were the key figures in the game.
The first polo club in Russia was founded just five years ago, by Victor Huaco. He says at that time there was no infrastructure and nowhere to play in the country.
“Now we have two polo clubs in Russia, a hundred horses, a bunch of local players and great tournaments – as this one,” the president of Russian Polo Club says.
In a short time, a tradition of both summer and winter polo has been established.
It is a sport where both amateurs and professionals can play together. This year’s competition saw four teams line up: Brioni, Villagio Estate, Land Rover and Beluga.
Argentine players dominate the world polo scene. So, there were professional players from the South American country assisting the Russian amateurs.
Polo in Russia now has international recognition with this tournament now included in the World Polo Tour. However, Russian players still don't meet international standards.
"We still lack professional players here in Russia. The industry is developing but still there are just a few spots in the Moscow region where the players could train. But we've got some talented guys that can play abroad," Olga Piven, an organiser said.
Despite all the difficulties, the organisers and participants are very hopeful about polo's prospects in Russia as it has those two qualities Russians know and love - speed and danger.
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