A young polo prodigy from Udaipur and student of Mayo College, Shivaansh Singh Shaktawat is carrying forward his family’s rich polo legacy. Trained under Veeram Kaka and Lokendra Singh Ji, he has showcased his talent in the Jodhpur and Jaipur Polo Seasons and the USPA Mayo Polo Cup. With “वीर भोग्या वसुंधरा” as his guiding mantra, Shivaansh continues to gallop towards greater glory.
The Initiation
Shivaansh Singh Shaktawat, a student of Mayo College, has been passionately pursuing polo, a sport deeply rooted in his family’s legacy. Growing up in Udaipur, he was introduced to polo at a very young age at the Chunda Polo Club, where the thundering hooves and competitive spirit of the game instantly captivated him. With polo running through generations, it was his relatives who first taught him the nuances of this royal sport.
Gurus & Role Models
Shivaansh began his training under the guidance of his mentors Veeram Kaka and Lokendra Singh Ji at Chunda Polo Club, Udaipur. Later, his journey at Mayo College provided him with a wider platform to refine his game and compete at higher levels. His greatest inspiration, however, comes from his grandfather, Raghunath Singh Shaktawat, a former army officer turned hotelier, who shared a deep love for horses. His grandfather’s discipline, courage, and passion continue to motivate Shivaansh both on and off the field.
The Talent
For Shivaansh, polo is not just a sport—it’s a tradition that symbolizes strength, precision, and grace. While he finds immense joy in playing, he acknowledges that it’s a challenging game, demanding both mental control and coordination with the horse. Managing the rhythm between rider and horse requires deep focus and skill. Each match brings together two teams of four players each, with eight powerful horses galloping across the field in perfect harmony and competition.
Achievements
Despite his young age, Shivaansh has already made remarkable strides in polo. He has showcased his talent in prestigious tournaments such as the Jodhpur Polo Season, Jaipur Polo Season, and the USPA Mayo Polo Cup. He has also represented his institution in the Indian Polo Association (IPA) Juniors and Sub-Juniors, marking his growing presence in the national polo circuit.
A Bit More
Born and raised in Udaipur, Shivaansh began playing polo during his 8th grade at Mayo College. The school has since been instrumental in shaping his journey, giving him the opportunity to play significant matches—including a memorable one between Mayo College and Harvard. The Sanskrit line “वीर भोग्या वसुंधरा” (The Earth is enjoyed by the brave) serves as his constant source of motivation. Shivaansh advises aspiring polo players to first master the art of horse riding, as strong riding skills form the foundation of good polo. Supported by his parents’ unwavering encouragement, Shivaansh continues to gallop forward—carrying with him the spirit of his heritage, the lessons from his mentors, and the determination to make his mark in the regal sport of polo.
