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 2026, 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 2026

Hosted amid the expansive grounds of Singureni Manor, just beyond Bucharest, the Singureni Manor Polo Cup returns from 25–27 September 2026 for its third edition, bringing together international players, spirited competition and three days shaped by the traditions of the sport.

Since its inaugural edition in 2024, the tournament has established itself as a distinctive fixture on Romania’s sporting calendar. In 2026, four teams representing Romania, Argentina, the United Kingdom and Germany will take to the field, each bringing its own polo heritage and some of the sport’s most accomplished players to Singureni.

Among them, CORINTHIA / Sass’ Restaurant & Lounge / Las Hermanas Polo, Argentina will be represented by Tefi Laplacette, Agustin Kronhaus and team captain Adrian Laplacette Jr. – a formidable Argentine line-up carrying the Corinthia colours onto the field.

Beyond the matches, Singureni Manor Polo Cup is an occasion in its own right. The estate becomes a gathering place for players, guests and polo enthusiasts, with the atmosphere extending beyond the field throughout the weekend.

From the anticipation before the first chukka to the final moments of play, the 2026 edition offers a rare opportunity to experience international polo against the remarkable natural backdrop of Singureni Manor – just a short journey from the heart of Bucharest.