Former ace polo player to assist Olympics organisers

Ace polo player Colonel Narinder Singh (retd), who represented India in a number of international tournaments in the 1980s and 1990s, has been selected by the Rio Olympic Committee to be a 'Team Site Member' for equestrian events at the 2016 Games.

Narinder, who served in the prestigious President's Body Guards till 1997, had participated in the Sultan of Brunei tournament and other leading events. He was a member of the India Polo team, which played matches in Brunei, Malaysia, Australia and Nigeria besides the United Arab Emirates.

He played with veterans like Pickle Sodhi, V.P. Singh, R.S. Brar and H.S. 'Billy' Sodhi. His father Major Gurnam Singh (retd) of the 13th DSO Lancers played with Sawai Raja Man Singh and Raja Hanumant Singh.

Narinder, who was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal, said he has to report at the venue of the game on August 1 and will be there for almost three weeks. Besides Narinder, several former stars of polo and equestrian players are assisting the Olympics organisers in smooth conduct of the Games.

Narinder said the organisers in Rio had already made roster allocation and one has to work nine hours a day with one-hour break.

"India is not participarting in this event. It is sad that the Indian Olympic Assocation has not paid due attention to this game which could have feteched us several medals. We have proved it at the 1982 Asian Games when we won four gold medals in equestrian events," he rued.

"Since then no attention has been paid to this game."

--IANS

manzoor/ajb/dg