Gonzalo Azumendi, a well renowned former professional player, has been appointed as Argentina’s coach for the II FIP Arena World Polo Championship, in a challenge he is very proud of. He is determined to take Argentina further in the contest in Virginia, and improve the performance of the first World Championship, in order to let people in Argentina know what arena polo is about, and make it as competitive as grass polo.
What does it mean for you to be the coach of Argentina in the upcoming FIP Arena Polo World Championship?
It’s a pride for me, indeed; it’s something new and exciting. I spent 30 years playing grass polo, and now I am focusing on arena polo. And to be coaching Argentina in so little time, will be a great experience.
Tell us about your experience in arena polo, and about the playoffs.
Well, I don’t have much experience in arena polo. I used to play a lot of arena polo in Brunei; we had an indoor ground to play when it rained, I played quite a lot, but not tournaments specifically. When I stopped travelling as a professional player, I started to focus on arena polo, in Argentina. I met Rubén Jabib, the owner of La Carona and Argentina Polo Day, where they have a proper arena ground and the spot where the playoffs took place. So, I started to play a lot with him, in La Carona, Nordelta, Martindale. We even organised the first Grand Prix, which was supported by the Argentine Association of Polo; that was very good. With regards to the playoffs, we competed against South American teams. It was about learning a lot, because we don’t know much about arena polo in Argentina yet.
In the first Arena Polo World Championship, Argentina ended in fifth place. What should Argentina improve in order to achieve the main goal in Virginia?
With regards to the first World Championship, in Argentina,I can’t tell that much, because I was travelling. I watched videos; I think they had no experience, and playng against strong teams like France or the United States, who play a lot of arena polo. So, we are learning by watching videos, because we were unable to compete that much, with the exception of the first World Championship. We have to learn and improve, and we will get it by competing.
Were you able to see the fields in Virginia?
Yes, but only on videos. The measures are the same of those at La Carona; the ground is the same. I can’t say much, because I only saw videos.
What is the biggest motivation, both for the team and you as a coach, to play this World Championship?
The biggest motivation, first, is to represent Argentina, moreover in polo; Argentina is number one in grass polo, and the idea is to be number one in arena polo as well. On a personal side, I want arena polo to grow in Argentina. Most of the amateur players in Europe and Argentina, around 50%, come from arena polo, because they already play in schools and universities. There are professional arena polo leagues, as well. I would love Argentina to know arena polo, to make it grow. Arena polo is a lot of fun, and very competitive. And it teaches you a lot – teaches you how to ride, how to hit the ball. To me, is a lot of fun.