Car manufacturing billionaire dies during Windsor club polo match

A billionaire car manufacturing boss has died from a heart attack while playing a polo match in Windsor.

Sunjay Kapur, said to be a friend of Prince William, died during a game at Windsor Guards Polo Club based in Windsor Great Park on Thursday, June 12.

The 53-year-old was chairman of India-based Sona Comstar which manufactures car parts.

A statement from Guards Polo Club said Mr Kapur had died ‘after becoming unwell when playing in a match’ and that the club ‘sends its deepest condolences’ to his family.

Media reports in India and the UK have suggested Mr Kapur died after swallowing a bee.

Windsor Guards Polo Club is described on its website as ‘without doubt, one of the most famous polo clubs in the world’. King Charles III has been the club’s president since 2024.

Its statement said: “Guards Polo Club’s chairman, directors and members were shocked to learn that Sunjay Kapur, owner of the Aureus polo team, died yesterday after becoming unwell when playing in a match at Smith’s Lawn.

“The club sends its deepest condolences to his wife, Priya Sachdev, his children, the wider Kapur family and his Aureus [polo] team-mates.”

A statement from Sona Comstar said: “A visionary leader, Mr Kapur played a pivotal role in shaping Sona Comstar into a global mobility tech-only company built on innovation,
sustainability and purpose.

“His passion, foresight, and relentless commitment to excellence inspired everyone who had the privilege of working with him.”

Sona Comstar is one of India’s largest car part suppliers and makes gears and electric charging components for car firms.

The statement continued: “Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr Kapur was a devoted father, a mentor to many, and a tireless advocate for India’s manufacturing and mobility sectors.

“His loss is deeply felt across the industry and within the Sona Parivar [family].”

A statement from the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) said its ‘thoughts were with’ Mr Kapur’s family following his death.

“The HPA is enormously sad to confirm that Sunjay Kapur, patron of the Aureus Polo Team, passed away during a match at Guards on Thursday, June 12,” it said.

“The incident was not playing-related and no further details will be released at this time.

“As the governing body, the HPA are supporting those involved and our thoughts are with Sunjay’s wife Priya, his family, and the team at this time, and we kindly request that their privacy is respected.”

On the day of his death, Mr Kapur had shared a social media tribute to the 280 victims of Air India flight 171, which crashed shortly after take-off at Ahmedabad airport.

In a post on X, he said: “My thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected. May they find strength in this difficult hour.”

His funeral was set to be held in Delhi yesterday (Thursday).