The Raffles Sirmour Cup: Heritage in Motion

In Jaipur, polo isn’t merely a sport — it’s social currency, inherited legacy, and spectacle rolled into one. And this February, Raffles Hotels & Resorts once again placed itself at the heart of that legacy with the culmination of the Raffles Sirmour Cup 2026, in partnership with the Rajasthan Polo Club. Held from 9 to 15 February, the week-long tournament unfolded across the club’s historic grounds in a display of precision and pageantry. Now in its second consecutive year of association, Raffles has emerged as a steward, aligning its hospitality philosophy with one of Rajasthan’s most enduring aristocratic traditions.

From the opening chukka to the final whistle, the tournament carried the cadence of tradition. The teams demonstrated tactical finesse and disciplined horsemanship, while spectators followed the action from shaded enclosures and curated hospitality lounges. Both Raffles Jaipur and Raffles Udaipur extended their signature hospitality into the tournament week, integrating the brand’s signature butler service, culinary programming and tailored guest engagement into the sporting calendar, reflecting the Raffles brand’s signature warmth, intuitive service and understated sophistication.

The championship final drew an enthusiastic gathering of guests and patrons, culminating in a thrilling contest that celebrated the enduring romance of the sport of kings. Jaipur Aravali claimed the coveted Raffles Sirmour Cup 2026, bringing the competition to a memorable close. The occasion harmonised the exhilaration of polo with thoughtfully orchestrated hospitality. The closing High Tea, hosted for players and invited guests, served as a refined conclusion to the tournament week, aligning competitive sport with the ceremonial codes of polo culture. Set against an ambience synonymous with the Raffles name, guests gathered to reflect on the week’s sporting excellence over thoughtfully composed delicacies.

Polo, after all, is intrinsic to Jaipur’s identity. The city’s royal patronage of the sport dates back generations, and the Rajasthan Polo Club remains one of India’s most storied grounds. For Raffles, the Sirmour Cup is not simply an event on a calendar; it is a strategic cultural alignment.

At Raffles Jaipur, located just beyond the Pink City’s bustle, Mughal-inspired symmetry and luminous white façades evoke a palace-like serenity. The property’s legendary butler service reinforces a tradition of personalised attention that feels at home in a city defined by princely codes of hospitality. Further south, Raffles Udaipur unfolds across a private island and lakeshore enclave on Udai Sagar Lake. Boat arrivals, Aravalli-framed vistas and a wellness-forward approach lend the resort an air of contemplative luxury.

What the Sirmour Cup ultimately underscored was that luxury hospitality in Rajasthan today extends beyond palace walls. It moves into sport, into culture, into community. Through its continued collaboration with the Rajasthan Polo Club, Raffles embeds itself within the living rhythm of the region.

Reflecting on the significance of the tournament, Rajat Sethi, Cluster General Manager, Raffles and Fairmont Jaipur, shared, “For us, polo embodies the very spirit of Jaipur. Through the Sirmour Cup, Raffles Jaipur is able to connect our guests with the city’s illustrious heritage and curate experiences that extend beyond our palace walls, deeply rooted in culture and community.”

The 2026 edition of the Raffles Sirmour Cup stands as an elegant convergence of sport, heritage and contemporary luxury. Through its continued collaboration with the Rajasthan Polo Club, Raffles Hotels & Resorts remains steadfast in its dedication to preserving cultural traditions and curating distinguished experiences that embody the very essence of Rajasthan.

As the season draws to a close, what lingers is not merely the image of a winning team lifting a trophy, but the sense of continuity — of tradition carried forward with care.