The Maharaja Ranjit Singh National Polo Tournament concluded today at the Chandigarh Polo Club, with 61 Cavalry securing the championship title after a spectacular victory over the Indian Navy, finishing the match with a score of 4-1. This exhilarating showdown took place on the tournament’s seventh day, showcasing high levels of skill from both teams.
The match began with early promise for the Indian Navy. Dhruv Pal Godara capitalized on a strategic pass from Captain AP Singh, scoring within the second minute to give his team a 1-0 advantage at the conclusion of the first round. However, that lead would not last long.
As the second round progressed, 61 Cavalry’s Major Anant Raj Purohit leveled the playing field with a skillful equalizer. The Indian Navy faced a missed opportunity shortly after when they failed to convert a 25 yard penalty. In a dramatic turn of events toward the end of the second round, Lt Col Vishal Chauhan maneuvered skillfully around the opposition, scoring to give 61 Cavalry their first lead of the match, closing the round with a score of 2-1.
The intensity heightened in the fourth and final round, with both teams launching aggressive attacks in pursuit of victory. In a defining moment just a minute before the match ended, Chauhan struck again, executing a precise 25 yard shot that successfully found the back of the goal, bringing 61 Cavalry’s tally to four and sealing their triumph over the Navy.
Following the match, Lt Major Manoj Kumar Katiyar, GOC-in-C, Western Command, took to the podium to honor the winners, runners-up, and participating teams. This ceremony was held in conjunction with a gathering that included Dilpreet Singh Sidhu, president of the Chandigarh Polo Club, and secretary Col Manoj Dewan. In his remarks, Sidhu praised the club for its ongoing efforts to promote polo in the region, emphasizing their commitment to hosting another tournament in April of the following year, which aims to attract teams from across the country.
