Representing the voice of Indonesian polo players, Iman Kusumo expresses his optimism about the potential of the national players has to offer in the international arena. The equestrian sport of polo has since the last decade regained its popularity, which is not only limited to the nobility but also well-heeled individuals, and according to the chairman of Indonesian Polo Association, “the archipelago has equestrian traditions that can incubate talents in this sport.” Iman then cites … [Read more...]
History in the Making
With an upcoming golf & polo sanctuary, Daya Zakir expresses his confidence that , as much as golf, polo can secure a future in Indonesia. Many Indonesians remain unfamiliar with polo, but the archipelago has a history deeply rooted in the sport dating back to 1930s. The founding of Batavia Polo Club in 1937 by mostly Dutch nationalists was a key breakthrough milestone in the starting point of the development of polo in Indonesia. Later, polo became a forgotten sport in the … [Read more...]
The Chairwoman
Daninya Zakir shares her enthusiasm for Indonesian young generation of polo players and their role in developing the sport within the country. The daughter of Daya Zakir, owner of Jagorawi Golf & Country Club, says she loves everything about the sport but admits nothing can beat an adrenaline-filled chukka out in the sun, “especially when you play with good friends and quality polo ponies.” Daninya showed her interest in polo when her grandmother, Hamida Zakir, gave her a pair of … [Read more...]
The Game of Kings
Retracing the history of polo, the royal game that has won the hearts of the noble in many corners of the world. Historians have traced the origin of polo back over two thousand five hundred years. Some sources say that nomadic warriors made up the first team played the sport throughout history, while many agree that the game started in Persia. Despite the different views on who first played this game of kings, most historians would believe that the Moguls were the ones who brought the … [Read more...]
Days in A Polo Life
By Aulia R. Sungkar. Published in Polo Indonesia Magazine, first edition 2013. Indonesia’s only polo club has set the pace for nurturing and developing talents and enthusiasts from across the archipelago. Nusantara Polo Club was built with the enthusiasm that breathes the spirit to drive Indonesian athletes to compete at the international arena. Aside from accommodating the national athletes with housing and regular trainings, the club also attracts other polo and equestrian … [Read more...]
Five-Star Polo Grounds
By Ruth Ninajanty. Published in Polo Indonesia Magazine, first edition 2013. If you're a true player, you'll stay where the games are. The only hotel in the U.K. with its own polo fields and practice facilities, Coworth Hotel in Berkshire is a mansion-turned-hotel affiliated with the Hurlingham Polo Association. The world-class polo ground is managed by Guards Polo Club, an internationally-renowned polo club with 60-years experience of hosting world-class polo events. Lessons with … [Read more...]
Showcasing Indonesia
By Ruth Ninajanty . Published in Polo Indonesia Magazine, first edition 2013. Jimmy Masrin shares his determination to create a world champion from Indonesia. Jimmy has been playing golf since 1985. From the time he first picked up a golf club, he’s really into it. “I love golf because it’s a character-building and character-defining sport. Indonesia is among the biggest nations in Asia but we’re so behind in golf, in tournaments, in tourism and everything. So I said we have to start … [Read more...]
Comparing Principles
By Ruth Ninajanty. Published in Polo Indonesia Magazine, first edition 2013. The CEO of Andritz Hydro tells about how teamwork is essential to mastering the equestrian sport of polo. Austrian native Josef Ullmer was born with strong affinity to horses that eventually drew him to the world of polo. But he says he doesn’t have a single favourite player in the sport. “You always have to consider polo as a team sport which is always mixed with players of various skills in most of the … [Read more...]
The Playing Coach
By Ruth Ninajanty. Published in Polo Indonesia Magazine, first edition 2013. Having joined Nusantara Polo Club in 2007, Nicolas Curto is currently in charge of managing polo at the club and training the national team. Known by the nickname “Nico”, the 24-year-old professional coach learnt polo when he was 11 back in his father’s club in Argentina. “I watched my father working at his polo club. When I went to school, I used to play polo at the weekend,” he recalls his early polo days. … [Read more...]
A Local Sense
The veteran architect Yori Antar shares his confidence in the high feasibility to mix the elements of Indonesia’s rich cultures in building a polo club. As one of Indonesia’s prominent senior architects, Yori believes in the wisdom of Indonesia’s architecture. “Indonesian [traditional] architectures can stand the test of time, built by the locals using the available materials, but still giving high respect to the nature from which they are taken. If you want to look for a green and … [Read more...]