Jaipur, Jan. 24 -- Dr Shivangi Jai Singh, a Jaipur-based doctor and professional polo player, will captain the Indian Women's Polo Team at the upcoming Manipur Women's International Polo Tournament, marking a milestone as the first woman from Rajasthan to lead the national team. The international tournament will feature teams from the United Kingdom, South Africa, Argentina, the United States and India, bringing together some of the world's leading women polo players. Singh's appointment as captain reflects her growing stature in Indian polo and her consistent performances at the national and international levels. A 26-year-old medical professional, Dr Shivangi has completed her MBBS and is currently pursuing a master's degree in dermatology. She has been awarded the best women polo player in India for two consecutive years and is the only woman to play professionally in Indian Polo Association (IPA) tournaments. Having started polo as a hobby six years ago, Shivangi's career took a decisive turn after exposure to the sport in England and South Africa, where she saw women competing at professional levels. Last year proved to be a breakthrough season as she played 15 to 20 professional tournaments across Jaipur, Jodhpur and Delhi. She also represented India at an international women's polo tournament in Singapore, where the team emerged victorious. Speaking on the growth of women's polo in India, Shivangi said increased visibility through social media and initiatives by polo clubs in cities such as Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Manipur have significantly boosted participation. She noted that women playing alongside men in mixed teams has inspired more girls to take up riding and the sport. Highlighting the challenges faced by women players, she pointed out the high cost of the sport, the physical demands of competing with male players, and the lack of female role models in the early years. She emphasised the need for greater institutional support, dedicated funding, regular international tournaments and specialised coaching programmes for women to elevate Indian polo to global standards. Dr Shivangi also credited structured time management and disciplined training for helping her balance a demanding medical career with professional sports. "If you are passionate and plan smartly, it is possible to manage both," she said. With Rajasthan's rich polo heritage, she believes the state has the potential to become a hub for women's polo by hosting high-profile international tournaments with the support of tourism bodies, corporate sponsors and royal families....