Mountain venue sees polo reach new heights of appeal

"We had many children this summer wanting to play the sport," Luo says. "I hope to bring polo to many people."

This year, the news of the club importing nearly 100 polo ponies from Argentina drew the attention of Argentine Ambassador to China Marcelo Gabriel Suarez Salvia. Argentina is called the Capital of Polo for its leading role in the sport.

He brought his family to attend the Rose Cup and addressed the event, saying polo serves as a medium for deepening exchanges and cooperation between China and Argentina in sports, culture and other fields.

"In Argentina, we bond with horses and connect through polo," the ambassador says. "As the world's largest horse exporter, Argentina is providing crucial support globally, fostering the development of polo worldwide and serving as an important bridge for friendship and cultural exchange between China and Argentina."

It's hoped that this sport can enhance its international profile as it aims to attract more global guests to experience its unique landscape and rich culture, according to local authorities from Wulong district, a formerly low-income mountain region in Chongqing.

"We will make Xiannyu Mountain 1003 Polo Club a signature international tourism project and a 'golden business card' of Wulong's tourism sector," He Qing, the district's Party chief, said at the event.

Wulong district has also taken a series of innovative approaches in developing tourism, providing services and activities for people with various needs, such as field studies for students, competitions for outdoor sports fans, exhibitions for art lovers, health and wellness services for seniors and romantic honeymoon packages for young couples.

Since 2003, the district has hosted the China International Mountain Outdoor Sports Open, one of the largest outdoor cross-country events in the world.

The high-profile international polo event also attracted the attention of local sponsors, which are always a key part of polo events. Chongqing automaker Seres becomes one of the first Chinese new-energy vehicle companies to sponsor a polo event.

"Polo is a sport that combines tradition and modernity, just like our NEVs that boast traditional luxury design and innovative technology," says Clifford Kang, vice-president of Seres. "Also as a Chongqing company, we should actively support the major local event."

Contact the writers at tanyingzi@chinadaily.com.cn