Event celebrates the 'gift India gave the world'

Heritage and sport came together as Indian Polo Day returned to Berkshire.

The event in Windsor builds on the close ties between the two polo playing nations.

The Jaipur Polo team, led by the Maharaja of Jaipur, competed against Guards Polo Club on Saturday, 18 July.

The day was a celebration of Indian culture with performances from Rajasthani, Bharatanatyam and Bollywood dancers.

After securing victory, Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Padmanabh Singh, spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire.

"It's a lovely event, it's a trophy my family had given to Guards Polo Club about 60 years ago.

"I feel very proud that we keep it going and that it's still celebrated in this fashion. It was very special to win."

India has a deep history with polo.

The Maharaja, who is also a philanthropist and fashion icon, added: "We love the sport of polo back in India.

"We believe it was India's gift to the world, this sport played in more than 70 countries."

The 28-year-old explained how he got into the sport: "It went from being a passion to a legacy.

"One grew up around polo, trophies, photos, memorabilia and souvenirs more importantly the stories.

"But I was only drawn to the game because I really wanted to do it myself, in fact my family did not want me to play because of the dangers involved.

"After seven to eight years of playing I started to realise the incredibly rich history that our country, our city and our family have with the sport and how important that is for me to continue to promote and continue to put Jaipur on the world map of the sport."

The Princess of Wales was pictured earlier this month cheering from the sidelines as the Prince of Wales competed on a baking hot polo pitch for a charity cup.

William rode alongside top professional players and keen amateurs at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park.