At the end of August heralding the start of the China Open a “Young Guns” team sanctioned by the HPA visited the Tang Polo Club. The ages of the players was from 11 to 16 and highlighted the importance of youth polo on the long term future of polo.
This was the first time that China’s premier polo club had received an international youth team and it was good to see them mixing in with their Chinese counterparts, sharing all things polo and about life in general.
The “Young Guns” not only enjoyed the polo but also had the opportunity to visit and try some of Beijing’s unique culture, from visiting the Great Wall, a trip round the Forbidden City to enjoying the delights of a proper Beijing Duck dinner.
During their visit a summer camp of children from the Beijing Youth Palace was arranged so they were able to show off their skills, but also have the opportunity to carry out a bit of coaching for the young Chinese children.
There was also a match between some of the young Chinese players and the “Young Guns” which was a close affair at 3 – 3 until the fourth chukka when the “Young Guns” ran away with it 7 – 4. Additional there was the opportunity for them to play a full Tang Polo Club team, with Shilai Liu and Nan Liu the leading Chinese polo players. While it was a two chukka exhibition, it was a contested game with the youngsters, not giving an inch, but in the end the superior skills won through.
Overall it was a wonderful experience for all concerned and the club is looking forward to next years visit.
- 28. November 2023
