Five things about polo and where to experience it in style

Polo is more than a sport. It’s a celebration of heritage, artistry and masterful technique. From the thunder of hooves to the crisp snap of mallets, every moment at a polo tournament carries the weight of centuries-old tradition. 

In Romania, where the Singureni Manor Polo Cup has swiftly become a highlight of the sporting calendar, polo also feels refreshingly modern. This gathering of discerning enthusiasts and world-class talent amidst the rolling countryside near Bucharest is the ideal early fall break for discerning travellers.

As lovers of understated refinement, Corinthia Bucharest adores introducing guests to Eastern Europe's leading polo tournament. With that in mind, let's slip on some jodhpurs, saddle our pony and discover one of the most magical sports events Romania has to offer.

The story of "Sport of Kings" starts around 600 B.C. as Persian horsemen sought to develop their skills and curry favour with the emperor. The association between aristocracy and polo was there from the start. 

By the 16th century, Mughal India had elevated polo to a grand spectacle. Emperors hosted lavish festivals spanning weeks, celebrating champion ponies with the same reverence as generals and princes. This was polo as theatre, a dazzling display of power and precision.

The modern era polished the sport into a symbol of cultivated elegance, embraced by British aristocracy and beyond. For instance, King Charles, a lifelong devotee and once ranked among Britain’s top players, embodies polo’s enduring blend of tradition, discipline and quiet grandeur.

Today, the world’s finest polo clubs are sanctuaries of relaxed refinement. The sound of hooves and mallets meeting polo balls, the shouts of encouragement and the clink of champagne glasses create a sporting atmosphere like no other.

Fun facts about the game we love

Polo may be formal, but it's also full of quirks and fascinating historical facts. To set the scene for Singureni 2025, here are five things you may not know about polo...

1. The Enduring Whisper of Tibetan Willow

The name "polo" traces its roots to pulu, the Tibetan willow once carved into balls by Persian and Indian nobility over two millennia ago. Today’s mallets still honour this legacy, crafted from resilient Asian bamboo though the balls, now polished plastic, glide across manicured fields with silent elegance.

2. A Mughal emperor's midnight matches

Emperor Akbar the Great, a patron of the game’s golden age, adored polo so fiercely that he commissioned illuminated balls for nocturnal matches. His courtship of the sport earned it the title "Sport of Kings" - a mantle that still applies today.

3. Butter underfoot: Polo’s opulent origins

In Tang Dynasty China, polo was a spectacle of grandeur. Teams of 20 thundered across fields made from blended soil and butter - ensuring the grounds gleamed under imperial scrutiny. (A far cry from today’s pristine emerald pitches, but no less extravagant.)

4. Mastering technique in extreme conditions

Polo is far from easy. As actor Sylvester Stallone put it, playing polo well is "like playing golf in an earthquake." The best players make goals and turns seem effortless, but they are the result of years of practice and athletic prowess.

5. Exclusivity guaranteed

Polo is globally popular, but decidedly exclusive. Over 77 countries have polo clubs, but there are only around 30,000 regular players worldwide.

Enjoy the finest polo experience at the Singureni Manor Polo Cup 2025

Hosted in palatial surroundings in Bucharest's lush rural hinterland, the Singureni Manor Polo Cup has emerged as a beacon of sporting elegance and refinement. The first edition in 2024 captivated Romania’s elite and international polo enthusiasts alike, resulting in a second tournament scheduled for 26-28 September 2025.

2024 saw clashes between players from Romania, Switzerland, Azerbaijan, Malta and the United States. The Carpathian Maltese Falcons emerged victorious in the fiercely competitive first edition. This year, the stakes rise higher with the debut of a German contingent, ensuring unpredictability reigns supreme.

However, Singureni goes beyond spellbinding polo to offer an exceptional luxury experience. Exclusive daily wine tastings at the Polo Village allow rare vintages to weave stories of Romanian terroir, while as dusk falls, Arabian horses take centre stage in enchanting displays.

Evening is also a time to socialise at the VIP tent. Meet the competitors to discuss the finer points of polo technique and let the evening unfold at its leisure. Finely-crafted cocktails, rare Romanian vintages and high-quality live music complement the day of sport perfectly.