‘It’s open green space versus construction’: Delhi’s historic polo club and the battle for the city’s future

The government’s requisition of a historic green space has ignited a fierce debate about air quality and heat stress in India’s scorching capital

For decades, the social highlight of winters in Delhi for the “beautiful people” was the polo season. A sprinkling of royalty and diplomats, impeccably groomed women in pearls and chiffon saris, along with wealthy industrialists sporting silk pocket squares used to gather to watch polo players compete under the mild, balmy sun.

They cheered on handsome players who, once the match was over, had children shrieking in delight as they put on a heart-stopping display of tent-pegging derring-do. Swish champagne lunches and other après-polo celebrations followed.