The Monte Carlo Polo Federation brings together a refined group of modern polo enthusiasts, showcasing not just the sport but also the beauty and elegance surrounding it. Polo is often hailed as the "sport of kings," tracing its origins to ancient Asia, where it began as a form of cavalry training. Over time, it evolved into a global sport, with British officers introducing it to India in 1859 and bringing it to the UK a decade later. Argentina quickly became a global hub for polo, with the country breeding some of the world’s best horses for the game.
Fast forward to the modern era, and the Monte Carlo Polo Federation stands as a testament to the sport's continued evolution. Under the guidance of its founder and president, Francesco Mitrano, the federation offers a fresh take on this historic game, integrating the allure of Monaco with the spirit of competition.
Francesco Mitrano: The Visionary Behind Monte Carlo Polo
The driving force behind the federation and its yearly events is Francesco Mitrano, a Monaco resident and passionate polo player. In 2012, Mitrano founded the Monte Carlo Polo Club, Monaco’s first dedicated polo club, followed by the launch of the Monte Carlo Polo Cup in 2013. His vision has turned this once-niche sport into a grand spectacle that attracts high-profile guests, from ministers and ambassadors to celebrities, entrepreneurs, and socialites. Mitrano’s relentless dedication has cemented polo’s place in prestigious social calendar.
But his ambitions don’t stop at Monaco. Mitrano has extended his love for polo to the UAE, a country he has had a long-standing connection with. Having first visited in the early 1990s, he was invited to the Ghantoot Polo Club by Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His passion for the UAE, particularly Dubai, has only deepened over the years. Mitrano has hosted several major events in the region, including a polo match at the Dubai Expo 2020, attended by over 30 ambassadors. His aim? To bring Monaco’s polo events to Dubai, merging two worlds of luxury and sport.
Polo: Where Sport Meets High Society
Polo is far more than a physical contest; it’s a cultural event that merges athleticism with high society. The Monte Carlo Polo Federation has masterfully blended this balance, creating a space where tradition meets modernity, sport meets fashion, and luxury meets philanthropy. As Mitrano and his team continue to bring the sport to new locations, from the heart of Monaco to the deserts of Dubai, polo’s legacy remains as vibrant and dynamic as ever.