Jaipur: HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh delivered an exceptional nine-goal performance to guide the Jaipur Polo Team into the Kashmir Challenge Cup final, defeating the Thunderbolt Team 13–2.5 in a commanding display on Saturday.
Padmanabh Singh set the tempo from the opening chukker, showcasing precision and control as he spearheaded Jaipur’s attack. He was backed by strong contributions from Pranav Kapur, who scored three goals, and South Africa’s Lance Watson, who added one to complete Jaipur’s tally.
Thunderbolt fought hard despite the uphill battle, with Lt. Col. Vishal Chauhan scoring their lone field goal. Including their 1.5-goal handicap, they finished with a total of 2.5 goals.
Jaipur controlled the match throughout, building an early lead and maintaining their advantage across all chukkers. Padmanabh Singh’s nine-goal effort stood out as the defining moment of the game, supported by Jaipur’s fluid teamwork and assertive play.
The victory continues Jaipur Polo’s strong run in the tournament, highlighting their consistency, composure and competitive spirit as they head into the final against Kanota Polo.
Earlier in the tournament, Jaipur began their campaign with a hard-fought 8–7 win over Kanota Polo. Lance Watson and Padmanabh Singh each scored four goals, helping Jaipur stay ahead at crucial stages.
Kanota mounted a serious challenge, led by Hurr Ali’s four goals. Dino Dhankar struck twice and Kr. Pratap Singh Kanota added one, keeping the match tight until the end.
Jaipur led 3–1 after the first chukker and maintained a narrow 6–5 advantage going into the final chukker. Despite late pressure from Kanota, Jaipur held on to secure the win.
