Jaipur Polo Team, Jindal Bedla Register Victories in Kognivera Cup Opener

Jaipur: Jaipur Polo Team began their Kognivera Cup campaign on a strong note, producing a composed and dominant performance to defeat Thunderbolt 10–6.5 in their opening match.

Coming off a below-par outing in the first tournament of the home season, the win injected much-needed momentum and confidence into the Jaipur camp.

Thunderbolt started positively in the opening chukker, but Jaipur quickly took control with their fluent attacking play to establish a 3–1.5 lead. HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh was influential early on, dictating play through the centre and maintaining constant pressure, while Th. Bhawani Singh Kalvi chipped in with important goals.

Thunderbolt fought back strongly in the second chukker, with Samir Suhag and Ravinder Mang leading the charge. Their sustained offensive push helped them edge ahead 5.5–3 at halftime, setting up a competitive second half.

Jaipur responded with authority in the third chukker, stepping up the tempo and regaining control through disciplined teamwork and clinical finishing. HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh once again led from the front, supported well by Kalvi, as Jaipur moved into an 8–5.5 lead going into the final chukker.

In the closing stages, Jaipur displayed maturity and control, adding two more goals to seal a convincing 10–6.5 victory. Thunderbolt managed one additional goal, but never seriously threatened Jaipur’s dominance.

HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh emerged as the star of the match, scoring six goals and anchoring Jaipur’s impressive performance.

In another match, Jindal Bedla continued their winning run with a commanding 9.5–5 victory over Chandna Polo.

Starting with a 0.5 goal advantage due to handicap rules, Jindal Bedla settled quickly after a fast-paced opening chukker. Strong performances from Siddhant Sharma and Rao Himmat Singh Bedla helped the team gain control.

By the end of the second chukker, Jindal Bedla had built a comfortable lead, thanks largely to three consecutive goals from Siddhant Sharma, taking the score to 6.5–3.

Jindal Bedla sealed the contest in the final chukker with two more goals, again from Siddhant Sharma, leaving no room for a late comeback.

Siddhant Sharma finished the match with six goals, while Rao Himmat Singh Bedla scored twice and Simran Shergill added another to complete a dominant team performance.

The victory follows Jindal Bedla’s recent triumph at the Rajmata Gayatri Devi Memorial Cup, further strengthening their reputation as the team to beat in the Jaipur polo circuit as they chase the prestigious seven-foot KogniVera trophy.

With inputs from IANS