Indian Open polo tournament sees an action-packed finale

One of the most prestigious polo tournaments in India – the Indian Open – concluded on Sunday evening with an action-packed final match at the Jaipur Polo Grounds. The final saw Sahara Warriors, led by Padmanabh Singh of the erstwhile royal family of Jaipur, take on the Jindal Panthers, who were led by former MP Naveen Jindal. In the end, the Sahara Warriors put on a dominating display of polo, winning by 10 goals to 5.Their skipper Padmanabh Singh – affectionately called Pacho in the polo circuit – was adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the final. "It was a well-contested match, but our team had a clear strategy and process. I am glad we stuck to it and emerged victorious," he told us. It is the team's fourth title in a row.


And as always, the action on the field was complemented by the socialising off it. The match allowed many of Delhi's elites to meet their friends, some after a gap of months. Fashion designer Charu Parashar said, "It's so great to be here. Not only was it a thrilling game, but I also got a chance to meet some of my friends after long. It was so good to see Pacho after a long time, and I was delighted to see how he has matured as a person and as a player."


For a few of the guests, it marked their first outing at the polo grounds. "I am a sports lover, so I was very excited to watch a polo match live for the very first time. It was a great experience," said Israel Ambassador to India Naor Gilon.