2024 Buddy Combs: USA vs India

Team USA beats India 14-12 at the 2024 Buddy Combs International Arena Challenge at Lakeside Polo Club in San Diego, CA

This year’s competition both promised and delivered a heart-pounding showdown between two polo powerhouses: India and the USA. After a thrilling back-and-forth battle, Team USA secured victory by edging out Team India by a mere two-point lead. The tournament as a whole served as a showcase of the intensity of international arena polo at its best.

In this year’s competition, three All-American players were chosen to represent team USA: Nicole Bankhead (California), Robert “Robby” Pizarro (Wisconsin), and David Brooks (North Carolina). Each player brought their A-game to the field to represent the red, white, and blue. Though each were individually skilled players, it was a first for all of them to play together on Team USA in The Buddy Combs International Arena Challenge.

“Hosting the Buddy Combs International Arena Polo Tournament was a remarkable experience for Lakeside Polo Club and the local polo community.  Bringing together talented players from across the US and from India, added unique energy and excitement to the event which was a first for Lakeside Polo Club!  In addition, being selected to represent the USA was an honor and an experience of a lifetime!  Having the opportunity to play with David Brooks and Robby Pizarro was fantastic and I learned a ton as a player.” -Nicole Bankhead. 

The Indian Polo Association presented a no-less formidable lineup of accomplished players: Chaitania Kumar, Arsalan Khan, and Lt. Col. Prithvi Rathore. The presence of Col. Vikram Singh Kahlon, Secretary General of the Indian Polo Association, as a guest of honor further highlighted the significance of the event.