Former AAP President Jorge Torres Zavaleta passes away: Polo News
Argentina polo received a big shock as Jorge Torres Zavaleta, the former President of the Association Argentina de Polo, passed away on May 23, 2011. He was one of those polo pros who brought plenty of developments into the sport. He was not only a dazzling
pro, but also a famous pony-breeder.
Torres Zavaleta was born on February 22, 1921 and earned six goals handicap. In his professional career, he captured the first title in Argentina in 1943. Jorge along with his brothers Charles Zavaleta, Joseph Zavaleta and Hector Zavaleta, donned the colours
for Coronel Suarez for many years. Besides this, he also clinched Bernardino Rivadavia and Leuvu Calvu Magdala. Representing the Turtle team, he also captured Province of Buenos Aires Cup, Jockey Club Open, Hurlingham Open and Argentina Racecourses.
He was also part of the Turtle team that clinched the Brazil Cup and Chile Free Championship. However, he rendered more services in leading the sport towards development than the performances. He developed himself a most significant leader in the developing
category and upgraded the status of polo in Argentina.
He served the Association Argentina de Polo three years from 1965 to 1967 as Treasurer. In the later time, he secured the presidency of the AAP from 1979 to 1982 and raised the game status. In his regime, the players from United States of America (USA) expressed
their desire to contest the Argentina Open Polo Championship.
Despite severe pressure and adhesions from the other office bearers, it was Torres Zavaleta who seconded the idea saying that the direct refusal could increase the problems. In his views, the US participation would give more chances besides easing their
problems.
In his views, the real problem was the field education for the players. Apart from this, he was quite excited about performance of the Argentinean players outside the country. He had summarised the whole scenario in one line, “The Argentine polo players
are broadcasters outside the game."
He spent most part of his life in Huanguelen and had interests in the horse-breeding from very early stages. He was used to find the types of the polo ponies. What had made him more pleased that his horses should be rode by the world’s best players.
It is pertinent to mention here that he had also served as President of the Argentina Association of Polo Pony Breeders. He developed the breeding industry as per the international demands.
Owing to his entire services, he would be alive forever in the hearts of polo players and lovers across the globe and particularly in Argentina.
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