Morocco: Tournament of H.H. the Maharaja of Jodhpurs in Asilah
This international competition, organized in honor of His Highness Gaj Singh II – Maharaja of Jodhpur, saw the participation of four countries representing four continents: India for Asia, the Kingdom of Morocco for Africa, the Republic Czech for Europe and USA for America. She also saw the presence of His Highness Sawai Padmanabh Singh – Maharajah of Jaipur, distinguished player who took part in the tournament with the Indian team.
Over four days, all the selections were able to meet in the six matches played. Finally India won the “TOURNAMENT OF H.H. THE MAHARAJA OF JODHPUR”.
As a reminder, polo, a prestigious equestrian sporting discipline which greatly contributes to attracting the most renowned teams in the world to the Kingdom of Morocco, has been growing at the national level for several years.
Various tournaments are organized each year in Morocco, with the participation of countries where this discipline occupies a preponderant place in national sport. The latest is the “TOURNAMENT OF H.H. THE MAHARAJA OF JODHPUR” which was held in Asilah, at the PGH Palmeraie Polo Club, from August 28 to 31, 2023.
Patrick Guerrand-Hermès, organizer of this prestigious tournament and founder of the PGH Palmeraie Polo Club, whose teams welcomed the participants in the best conditions, specifies: “The role of organizing this type of international event is to further enhance the level of Polo in Morocco. These are also events that highlight the Kingdom of Morocco, as a welcoming land for sport and tourism, par excellence.
In Morocco, Polo was introduced at the end of the 19th century by the British diplomatic delegation in Tangier, which created the first polo team and the “Diplomatic Country Club”. First that of Tangier then that of Casablanca. From the middle of the 20th century, the discipline of polo began to gain momentum and competitions were immediately organized, such as those in Fez in 1954, Tangier in 1955 and Rabat in 1962 and 1969.
In 2006, on the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Royal Moroccan Polo Federation (FRMP) was created. She is responsible for developing the practice of polo in the Kingdom and contributing to its influence. The FRMP is among the first Arab and African federations recognized by the International Polo Federation (FIP).
The same year, the Mohammed VI International Polo Trophy was created. The 2nd edition is organized in 2009, the 3rd in 2019 and the 4th in 2023, won by the Moroccan national team.
In 2022, the Polo Throne Cup is organized for the first time, and it is the Royal Guard team which inaugurated the prize list.
Recently, the FRMP Board of Directors co-opted the famous and trustworthy Mr. Rabii BENADADA as Advisor to the President.
The wealth of his experience, his great technicality and his mastery of strategy and financing issues will be strong assets to support the Board's reflections on the development of the Royal Moroccan Polo Federation and the implementation of new strategy to take the leadership as a global polo destination.