What started as a sunny, high-profile polo match at one of Britain’s most prestigious clubs ended in heartbreak when Indian billionaire Sunjay Kapur, a close associate of Prince William, collapsed and died mid-game.
The shocking incident has left the polo world, business circles, and many in both the UK and India mourning the sudden loss of a prominent figure.
A Shocking Moment on the Field
During a semi-final match of the Cartier Queen’s Cup at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor, Kapur reportedly turned to his teammates and said, “I’ve swallowed something,” moments before collapsing.
Witnesses say he may have ingested a bee, which potentially triggered a fatal anaphylactic shock.
The 53-year-old businessman fell in front of stunned players, bringing the match to a tragic halt.
Though initial suspicions suggested a heart attack, his statement just before collapsing led many to believe the insect sting could have caused the emergency.
No official medical details have been confirmed.
A Business Leader Remembered
Kapur was not just a familiar face on the elite polo circuit.
He was the chairman of Sona Comstar, a major global auto parts manufacturer supplying electric vehicle components across India, the U.S., China, Mexico, and Serbia.
A visionary in the automotive sector, his company praised his “passion, insight and dedication” following news of his death.
Hours before the incident, Kapur had expressed condolences online for the victims of a tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, reflecting his connection to current events and empathy for his countrymen.
A Life Intertwined with Royals and Celebrities
Sunjay Kapur had long moved in elite circles.
He had previously been married to Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, and together they had two children.
He later married former model and entrepreneur Priya Sachdev, with whom he had a son in 2018.
Kapur’s presence at Guards Polo Club wasn’t just as a guest — he was a regular player and even shared the field with Prince William in past matches.
The club itself holds royal prestige, with Prince Philip serving as its president for over six decades before King Charles took on the role last year.
Reactions from the Polo and Global Community
The Guards Polo Club, where the incident took place, issued a heartfelt statement expressing deep shock and condolences to Kapur’s family and team.
The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), the sport’s UK governing body, confirmed the news as well, making it clear the incident was not caused by gameplay.
Ashoka University in New Delhi, where Kapur had significant ties, released a tribute remembering him as a respected member of their community and a business trailblazer.
His former school, the prestigious Doon School — India’s answer to Eton — honored him as a fitness enthusiast and lifelong learner, praising his efforts to broaden polo’s reach beyond its traditional base.
A Presence Felt Far and Wide
Kapur’s influence spanned business, sports, and social circles.
He served as the president of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India and co-chaired the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Manufacturing Council.
These roles only added to the impact he had on shaping India’s modern industrial footprint.
On the polo side, he owned the Aureus polo team, which was playing against the Sujan Indian Tigers when tragedy struck.
The Cartier Queen’s Cup, one of the most anticipated fixtures in the polo calendar, suddenly became the scene of unimaginable grief.
A Club Steeped in Royal History
The Guards Polo Club is no ordinary sporting venue.
Founded in 1955 and originally tied to the British Army, it has long been favored by the Royal Family.
Its impressive membership includes King Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry.
The club hosts about 600 matches each year, attracting global talent and elite spectators.
Its high exclusivity is matched by its steep membership fees — £45,000 to join — but the prestige and connections it offers have made it a magnet for royals and wealthy patrons like Kapur.
Mourning a Man of Many Legacies
Sunjay Kapur’s sudden death has struck a chord not only because of how it happened but because of who he was.
A family man, a sportsman, a global entrepreneur, and a friend to royals — his presence was felt in multiple spheres.
He leaves behind his wife Priya, their young son Azarias, and a legacy of leadership and ambition.
Tributes continue to pour in across continents, painting a portrait of a man who had woven together a life of passion, influence, and connection.