Azucena Uranga added a new link to that chain that crosses the history of Argentine and world polo, and that has her surname engraved on it. The player is part of the Argentine National Team that was consecrated champion of the first women’s World Cup in history last weekend after beating the United States. It was an unprecedented milestone in this sport, in which our country is a power. And for Azucena, in addition, it was the opportunity to mark her mark on a family history closely linked to the world of horses, handicaps and chukkers. The young woman, 20 years old, is the granddaughter of Marcos Uranga, a great promoter of polo who was president of the Argentine Polo Association (AAP, 1983-1987), founder of the International Federation (1982) and responsible for promoting the creation of the first men’s World Cup, which was played in 1987 in Buenos Aires and saw the national team crowned, just as the girls did, 35 years later. Following the generational line, Azucena is the daughter of Delfín Uranga, who since 2021 is at the head of the AAP after serving a term as vice president of Eduardo Novillo Astrada (2017-2021), and is one of the great drivers of the growth of polo among women.
“The World Cup began one day after the anniversary of my grandfather’s death (April 9), which was one year old, and that was very special because he was someone who always promoted the development of the sport and did a lot for polo,” Azucena said in a talk with Filo.News. He added: “I don’t know if I see this as continuing a family legacy, but I loved sharing it with my family.” – What did your dad tell you when they won the title? – I was very happy. He always told me to enjoy it and make the most of the opportunity because it was something I was always going to remember, beyond the results. Azucena gave herself the great pleasure of wearing the blue and white in one of the most emblematic scenarios of this sport, although it is difficult for her to become aware of what they achieved together with the rest of the team led by Milo Fernández Araujo. “I think we still don’t take the dimension that we are the first to win a polo world championship, it’s something we’re going to fall from in the future. But it was an experience that I will never forget, I learned a lot and I am very grateful for the opportunity,” she said.
Family legacy: Azucena, another Uranga who left her mark on the history of Argentine polo. Photo: AAP press (Matías Callejo)
“The tournament was great, there was a very good vibe between all the players from all the countries. And that it has been played in The Cathedral of the pole the truth that added a lot to this experience. It was amazing to enter Palermo with the Argentina shirt, the grandstand full, the grenadiers playing the anthem. It’s something unforgettable that I don’t think will happen to me again, but that I enjoyed a lot,” he said. With 5 ratings, Azucena not only lifted the cup in Palermo, but was also chosen as the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the tournament. “The truth is that I didn’t expect that award, but I think if they gave it to me it was because the team worked and that made us all play our best and comply with what we had to do,” he said.
Agustina Imaz, Azucena Uranga, Catalina Lavinia and Paulina Vasquetto were the starters in the World Cup final. Photo: AAP press (Matías Callejo)
Make way for women’s polo
The growth of women’s sport in the world is a reality. And within that universe, the pole is not far behind. Just as five years ago the Open began to be played (last year it was defined on the same day and on the same stage as the men’s, the historic Argentine Open Championship), the World Cup was another step forward that helps the development of the discipline. ” The Open is becoming more competitive and there are more teams. Now, the World Cup I think will promote sport a lot, not only here in Argentina, but in many other countries because it generates the expectation in many women to prepare or start playing to be able to arrive. The fact of having the possibility of going to represent your country and being able to be world champion, will make women’s polo grow a lot, that it is given more importance and that more women start playing, “trusts the politsa. ” There are always people who do not support this or who look only at the negative, but luckily there are many others who are doing a great job to make women’s polo more and more competitive and better to see and play, “says Azucena, another Uranga who engraved her name in the great history of Argentine polo.
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