America’s Polo Cup Starts Opening Ceremonies

To be held on DC National Mall September 19^th

Headliner National Artists “MYA” &  Claude McKnight/Take 6 to perform

Washington DC, September 9, 2009: In a first of its kind initiative to enhance sports and cultural links between India and the United States, the Embassy of India accepted the honor on May 9^th, to participate in the world famous America’s Polo Cup, the world’s premier televised charity polo sporting experience. The challenge on behalf of the Embassy of India was accepted by Her Excellency, Ambassador Meera Shankar.

The President of the United States, Barack Obama has been officially invited to inaugurate the opening ceremony of the World Cup, at the DC National Mall both on September 19, 2009 and on June 11 & 12, 2010. Commencing this unique initiative between India and the US, the Embassy of India organized a welcome reception, where Her Excellency, Ambassador Meera Shankar will address the guests in her official capacity on behalf of India, welcoming this opportunity to enhance the cultural links between the two countries, in addition to an exciting sports tournament.

On September 19, spectators and invited guests will also be kept thoroughly engaged for the official Opening Ceremonies reception with a Polo match being played amongst the Ladies and Men present at the DC National Mall.  The opening ceremonies will be presented by the United States Marines Corps Fife & Drum Ceremonial unit.  This will be followed with a major performance by Dancing with the Stars Participant and Musical Superstar “MYA”.  Concluding the evening, after the award-ceremony will be a reception at the famed Jockey Club at the Official Hotel, The Fairfax at Embassy Row. Other special guests include Superstar “will.i.am”.

The America’s Polo Cup World Championships will be held in the United States on June 11 & 12, 2010 with a 4-member polo team being dispatched from India and are scheduled to play on the Washington DC National Mall.

Commenting on this polo challenge for the first time between India and the United States, Spokeswoman, Mrs. Michaele Salahi stated “The America’s Polo Cup aspires to bring the love of the game to a wider audience and bring international cultures together in a celebration of both their common bonds and their diversity.  In 2010 American Polo Team faces off with the INDIA Polo Team, playing a game that is rich with tradition in an event that reaches far beyond the field.”

Mr. Tareq Salahi, US Team Captain stated “To fully capture the spirit of America and India , the imagination and enthusiasm of their people, this co-operative effort combines military partners from both countries, the Embassy of India, the Diplomatic Corps, US elected officials, which ultimately serves as an economic development engine for the US and India. This special global program includes national and international festivities that showcase elements dear to both nations, including community & International good will, air shows, sportsmanship, music, wine, cuisine, adventure and freedom. We are so very proud to have developed these global experiences with the America’s Polo Cup that brings countries, communities and individuals together and honors the bi-lateral relationship the United States & India share. ”

All receptions will be celebrated with Wine Tastings from Top Award Winning Virginia Wineries & Kingfisher brewed beverages followed by the National anthems of both the nations performed alive by the Twenty Time Grammy award winner & Superstar Claude McKnight of Take 6. 

The charisma of the event will exponentially rise as horses will be galloped down the DC National Mall with the Indian Flag flying high by the Washington Monument. 

About the Land Rover America’s Polo Cup:

The Land Rover America’s Polo Cup World Championships is one of the world’s premier televised charity polo sporting events that hosts the largest United States polo experience in the Spring & Fall Annually in the Capitol Region of Washington DC. It provides a unique experience for everyone including overnight polo packages. The America’s Polo Cup has a different nation challenging the United States every year through that nations Head of State or Ambassador in Washington DC. The polo experiences are filled with previews of the upcoming year models of Land Rover, performing artists including world wide recognized headliners, art, design, fashion, wine, military Government exhibitions, family fun and a spectacular fireworks show.  For more information please visit www.americaspolocup.com