Staff Reporter
Doha: Qatar Polo Club (QPC) has secured official accreditation from the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), one of the world’s most respected governing authorities for polo and the recognised body overseeing the sport’s rules and standards in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The accreditation marks a significant milestone for the Club following the successful completion of all required evaluation procedures and compliance standards. Beyond formal recognition, the achievement represents a strategic step forward in enhancing the Club’s operational excellence, technical standards and international profile.
With the HPA accreditation, Qatar Polo Club gains global recognition for operating in line with internationally established polo regulations and best practices. The development is expected to strengthen the Club’s ability to attract international players, teams and tournaments, while ensuring that competitions hosted in Qatar meet the standards adopted across leading polo nations.
A major advantage of the accreditation is the Club’s authority to issue and manage internationally recognised player handicaps. This will enable players to compete abroad with officially validated rankings, supporting their development within the global polo circuit and easing participation in international competitions.
The accreditation also reinforces the Club’s commitment to governance, officiating standards and player safety. By implementing HPA regulations, Qatar Polo Club will benefit from ongoing updates to the rules of the game, access to internationally certified referees and structured training programmes aimed at developing local officiating expertise.
In addition, the Club maintains strict pony welfare standards in line with HPA requirements, ensuring high levels of veterinary care, ethical treatment and responsible management practices. The move reflects the Club’s broader commitment to sustainability and excellence within the sport.
From a commercial and operational perspective, the accreditation further enhances the Club’s capacity to stage international-standard tournaments, attract global sponsorships and partnerships, and position Qatar as an emerging destination on the world polo map.
Chairman of Qatar Polo Club Ashraf Abu Issa described the accreditation as a defining achievement for the Club.
“This accreditation reflects our commitment to excellence across every aspect of the sport. Aligning with the Hurlingham Polo Association’s internationally recognised standards strengthens our global position and supports our vision of establishing Qatar as a leading destination for polo,” he said.
Director General of Qatar Polo Club Fuad Al-Mudahka said the achievement highlighted the dedication and professionalism of the Club’s team.
“The HPA accreditation allows us to operate at the highest international standards, from player development and officiating to tournament organisation and horse welfare. It will play an important role in advancing the sport both locally and internationally,” he added.
The accreditation signals a new phase of growth for Qatar Polo Club as it seeks to expand its international presence, strengthen its competitive platform and contribute to the long-term development of polo in Qatar and the wider region.
