Polo Crowd Celebrate the Ultimate New Year in India

Royal Salute, the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky, marked its third year as title sponsor of The Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup, with its largest and most international crowd watching the Central Academy team win the impressive tournament.

The annual New Year’s Eve Procession, lead by His Highness the Maharaja of Jodhpur, marked the end of the five day polo event with the Central Academy team taking the title, outshining the Yuvraj Knights on the day with some scintillating polo.

The tournament attracted a high quality field including India’s Samir Suhag and Argentina’s Andres Weisz, both 5 goal players. Guests of nobility such as Prince Carl-Eugen Oettingen-Wallerstein and his wife Princess Anna of Bavaria also took part.

Set in the majestic shadows of Umaid Bhawan Palace, guests of Royal Salute were hosted from 26 – 31 December by His Highness with guest of honour, the 13th Duke of Argyll, the Hereditary Master of the Royal Household in Scotland. VIPs from every continent enjoyed the five days of international polo which culminated in the exclusive Royal Salute Golden Jubilee Ball.

Neil Macdonald, Global Brand Director for Royal Salute, commented: “There is no event quite like the Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup. Set within one of the world’s most majestic cities, guests have been treated to breathtaking experiences and a world-class polo tournament. This has truly been a spectacular event.”

The Maharaja’s famous New Year’s Eve procession and celebration at Mehrangarh Fort provided an unforgettable conclusion to the Jodhpur polo season, with an extraordinary spectacle of traditional dance, music, fireworks and festivities, ending on the rooftop above the blue city with a party under the stars.

The Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup further highlights Royal Salute’s growing commitment to international polo, with sponsorships of some of the world’s most prestigious polo events across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. Royal Salute World Polo Series continues in January 2012 at the Royal Salute Nations Cup in Dubai.

Royal Salute
The pinnacle of Scotch whisky, award-winning Royal Salute was first created as a tribute by Chivas Brothers to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II upon her coronation in 1953. This defining luxury whisky has a very powerful and sophisticated style, and has become the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky brand.

Royal Salute has a long legacy of paying tribute to nobility and leadership; it is part of the brand’s DNA
• 1953: Royal Salute created to pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen’s coronation
• 2003: Royal Salute 50 Year Old launched for the 50th anniversary of the coronation, also paid tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary’s and Sir Tensing Norgay’s on the anniversary of their successful ascent of Everest
• 2005: Royal Salute 38 Year Old launched – a tribute from Scotland, inspired by the Stone of Destiny
• 2010: Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute launched paying tribute to the craftsmanship of the four master blenders who have safeguarded the Royal Salute legacy since 1953
• 2011: Royal Salute Tribute to Honour launched, the Honours are most notable and compelling symbols of Scottish royalty

Royal Salute World Polo
In addition to the Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup, Jodhpur, India, the Scotch whisky is proud to support some of the world’s most prestigious and luxurious polo tournaments.
• China Royal Salute Tang Polo Cup, Beijing
• China Royal Salute China Open, Beijing
• UAE Royal Salute Nations Cup, Dubai
• Brazil Triple Coroa Tournament, Helvetia Polo Club, Sao Paulo
• Australia Sydney Gold Cup, Sydney
• Korea Country Polo Club, Jeju

In 2011, Royal Salute World Polo was proud to support several charity polo tournaments, supporting charities whose patrons include the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
• U.S The Foundation Polo Challenge 2011, Santa Barbara, California in aid of the U.S Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry
• UK The Sentebale Polo Cup 2011, Coworth Park, Berkshire,
• UK Bernard Weatherhill Polo Cup, Tetbury, England

Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.