Rina Shah, a trailblazer in both sports and fashion, made history as India’s first woman polo player to compete at the highest levels. With a fashion design degree from New York and an executive course in business management from Harvard, she seamlessly blends athleticism with entrepreneurship. An avid athlete from childhood, she realised her dream of making a mark in sports through polo. In 1997, she founded Rinaldi Designs, a premium high-fashion footwear brand catering to women and children.

Her bridal footwear line attracted celebrity clients including Naomi Campbell, Natalie Portman, Rekha, Goldie Hawn, and Gauri Khan, amongst others. Rina’s passion for sports and her entrepreneurial spirit eventually led her to break into the polo arena, becoming an OG for women in the sport.

From the glamorous world of fashion ramps to the rugged polo grounds, Rina Shah’s remarkable journey is a testament to her indomitable spirit and diverse talents. From a young age, Rina always dreamt of making it big in the sports circuit. She found her true calling in polo after attending a match in 2009. Despite the stark contrast to her successful career in fashion, she embraced the challenge with open arms.

The transition was far from easy. Faced with a gruelling training regimen and initial scepticism from friends and family, she persisted. Even injuries sustained during her early training days only fuelled her passion. Her dedication led her to train in Argentina and the UK, quickly earning accolades by winning two beginner polo tournaments in Jodhpur.

Her passion for polo has since become an integral part of her life, influencing her fashion designs and leading to the launch of India’s first equine accessories label for Rinaldi Couture. Her polo-inspired collections, featuring everything from vintage handbags to equestrian scarves, belts, ties, boots, and t-shirts with enchanting horse motifs, have gained international recognition, retailing in India, Mexico, the USA, Germany, and Spain.

But her talents don’t stop there. This multi-faceted individual is also a DJ, drummer, and India’s first woman electronic percussionist. She has also launched her own polo team, named ‘Rinaldi Polo‘, featuring top players including Arjuna Award winner Samir Suhag, Chirag Parekh, Gaurav Sehgal, and herself. Her recent victories in prestigious tournaments like the Umaid Bhavan Polo Cup, the International Ladies Tournament, and the HERMES Cup in Jodhpur, along with the Trunks Company Polo Cup in Mumbai, further cement her status in the polo world.

Beyond her professional achievements, Rina stands as an inspiration for women everywhere to think bigger and achieve more. Her journey proves that with passion, dedication, and hard work, it’s possible to excel in multiple fields and break barriers in male-dominated industries. She embodies the idea that women can redefine their paths, challenge societal norms, and pursue their dreams relentlessly.

Her story encourages women to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new challenges, and persist in the face of adversity. By successfully balancing her roles as a fashion designer, polo player, and musician, she demonstrates that women need not be confined to a single path or profession. Instead, they can harness their diverse interests and skills to create unique, fulfilling careers.

This trailblazer’s life serves as a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, there are no limits to what women can achieve. Her journey from fashion studios to polo fields inspires women to dream big, take risks, and carve their own paths to success, regardless of societal expectations or traditional gender roles. Over to Rina Shah.

RINA SHAH: From Fashion Pretties To Polo Ponies

TheGlitz: Hello Rina, as an acclaimed footwear designer, what inspired your leap from the glamorous world of high fashion to becoming India’s first woman polo player?

Rina Shah: It wasn’t a transition. While running my shoe business, I started learning Polo and riding horses, which eventually inspired a collection of shoes and bags themed around Polo and horses. I continued my business until 2019 but eventually decided to focus more on my passions.

Your designs have been worn by international celebrities. How does the thrill of seeing your creations on the red carpet compare to the adrenaline rush of a polo match?

Both experiences are unique in their own way. Seeing celebrities wear my designs on the red carpet is incredibly rewarding, but the adrenaline of playing Polo on horseback is unmatched and completely different.

As a trailblazer in women’s polo in India, what challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

Challenges exist for women in every field. Being the only woman in Polo was initially difficult—people didn’t take me seriously. However, once they saw my determination and hard work, I earned their respect and gradually started receiving the support I needed.

Your most exhilarating win on the polo field?

Winning my first tournament with my own team was an unforgettable experience, especially given the challenges I had to overcome. After a near-death fall during practice, I was determined to push forward and secure the victory. When we clinched the win in the final minute, the feeling was indescribable—it was truly the best moment of my life. All the hard work and perseverance had paid off, and I couldn’t have been prouder of my team and myself.

How many chukkas have you played, and at what levels?

I Played many Chukkas in 10 years, and my handicap is -1

In both polo and fashion, timing is crucial. How has your design background influenced your approach to polo strategy?

My design background instilled a strong sense of focus and hard work, which naturally carried over into my approach to Polo. That mindset and continuous practice have played a key role in improving my game.

Music is another one of your passions. If you were to create a soundtrack for a polo match, what would it be like?

Haha, I’ve never thought about it before, but now that I’m starting to produce music, it’s a great idea! I would definitely incorporate the sound of horses’ hooves running as a critical element in the track.

As a woman excelling in traditionally male-dominated fields, what advice would you give to young girls looking to break barriers?

My advice is to set aside thoughts of gender and focus entirely on doing your best in whatever you pursue. Put in your best efforts, stay passionate, and focus on your goals—this is the most effective way to overcome barriers.

If you were to create a cross-over event that combines polo, fashion, and music, what would it look like?

I would host a polo match with my team, followed by a fashion show featuring my designs and an after-party showcasing my music. I’ve already experienced a taste of this when I played a game and held a fashion show in Jodhpur—it was an incredible feeling.

You’ve broken stereotypes in multiple fields. What’s the next frontier you’re looking to conquer?

My focus is now on the music industry, where I’m still working and have a long way to go. My next big goal is to develop my music IP, Totem Tribe.