In a heart-stopping finale that went down to the wire, Optiemus Achievers emerged victorious over Team Jaipur by the narrowest of margins, securing an 8-7 win to lift the prestigious Rao Raja Hanut Singh Cup (12 Goals) on Sunday. The high-octane clash unfolded at the historic Rajasthan Polo Club Ground in Jaipur, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
A Closely Fought Battle on the Polo Field
The match was a showcase of skill and determination from both sides. For the triumphant Optiemus Achievers, Daniel Otamendi was the standout performer, netting four crucial goals. He received solid support from teammates Shamsheer Ali and Manuel Prado, who contributed two goals each to the tally. Savir Mehraj Godara also played a key role in the team's composition and strategy.
Facing them, Team Jaipur put up a spirited fight, largely spearheaded by the exceptional Lance Watson, who waged a lone battle and scored an impressive five goals. His efforts were supplemented by single goals from Padmanabh Singh and Hurr Ali, with Dino Dhankar completing the squad. Despite their valiant effort, the team fell just one goal short of forcing a tie or claiming victory.
Celebrations and Distinguished Presence
The occasion was graced by notable personalities. Nicolas Berggruen, chairman and co-founder of the Berggruen Institute, was the chief guest for the final. He had the honour of presenting the gleaming trophy to the elated members of the Optiemus Achievers team, marking their hard-fought triumph.
The event also saw the presence of other distinguished guests, including Narendra Singh, Parul Rai, Vikram Rathore, and Vikramaditya Singh Barkana, who witnessed the thrilling spectacle of elite polo.
Significance of the Victory
This victory adds another memorable chapter to the rich legacy of polo in Rajasthan. The Rao Raja Hanut Singh Cup is a significant tournament in the Indian polo calendar, and winning it by such a fine margin underscores the competitive spirit and high skill level of the participating teams. Matches like these not only provide thrilling entertainment but also help in promoting the sport and attracting new talent and audiences to the grounds of the Rajasthan Polo Club.
