In a thrilling display of equestrian skill, Team Jaipur I galloped to victory at the prestigious Sixth British Polo Day event held at the Rajasthan Polo Club Ground in Jaipur on Tuesday. The team's triumph was spearheaded by a stellar three-goal performance from Padmanabh Singh.
Match Highlights: A Nail-Biting Finish
The main event of the day featured a high-stakes clash between Team Jaipur I and BPD I (British Polo Day I). In a closely contested match, Team Jaipur I emerged victorious with a final score of 6-4. Padmanabh Singh was undoubtedly the star of the show, finding the target three times for the winning side. He received strong support from Vikramaditya Singh Barkana, who netted two goals, and Siddhant Sharma, who added one more to the tally. The team also included Col VS Kahlon among its ranks.
For the valiant BPD I side, Nick Clarke put up a fierce fight, matching Padmanabh Singh's feat with three goals of his own. Malcolm Borwick contributed one goal to their total. The team was rounded out by players Philip Muller and Jose Donoso.
An Earlier Stalemate Sets the Stage
The day's action commenced with an earlier match that set a competitive tone for the event. Team Jaipur II faced off against BPD II (British Polo Day II) in a game that ended in a hard-fought 4-4 draw.
For Team Jaipur II, Kuldeep Singh Rathore led the charge with two goals. Pratap Singh Kanota and Mrityunjay Singh Chauhan each scored one goal. Rao Himmat Singh Bedla also played as part of the squad. On the opposing side, Leon Donoso displayed remarkable individual skill, single-handedly scoring all four goals for BPD II. His teammates Georgina Brittain, Orson Clarke, and Jonny Good provided support throughout the match.
Post-Match Celebrations and Significance
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by dignitaries including Digvijay Singh, Tom Hudson, Peter Prentice, and Narendra Singh, who honored the winning teams and players.
This year's edition of the British Polo Day held special significance, as it marked the return of the event after a prolonged gap. The tournament was last held in 2019, with subsequent editions disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its successful organization this year signals a welcome return of major sporting and social events to Jaipur's calendar.
The victory for Team Jaipur I not only brings local glory but also reinforces the city's status as a premier destination for world-class polo, continuing Rajasthan's rich equestrian heritage on an international platform.
