Padmanabh Singh Stars with Six Goals as Team Jaipur Triumphs in CogniVera Polo Cup Opener
The CogniVera Polo Cup 2026 kicked off with high energy and excitement at the Rajasthan Polo Club ground in Jaipur on Tuesday, with Padmanabh Singh stealing the spotlight by scoring six goals to propel Team Jaipur to a commanding 10-6.5 victory over Thunderbolt. This win set a thrilling tone for the tournament, which is part of the prestigious Jaipur Polo Season 2026.
Match Highlights and Key Performances
In a fast-paced opening chukker, Padmanabh Singh demonstrated exceptional skill by completing a hat-trick within the first five minutes, giving Team Jaipur an early and handy lead. Thunderbolt, however, fought back fiercely in the second chukker, netting four goals to surge ahead temporarily. But Team Jaipur regained control in the final two chukkers, dominating play to secure an excellent win.
Besides Padmanabh's standout performance, Bhawani Singh Kalvi contributed three goals and Lance Watson added one, rounding out a strong team effort for the winners. For Thunderbolt, Samir Suhag scored four goals and Ravinder Mang added one, but it wasn't enough to overcome Jaipur's offensive prowess.
Other Opening Day Results and Tournament Structure
In other matches on the opening day, Otiemus Achievers defeated V Polo with a score of 5-3.5, while Jindal Bedla thumped Chandna Polo 9.5-5. The tournament features seven teams divided into two pools:
- Pool A: Jaipur, Thunderbolt, Jindal Bedla, Chandana Polo
- Pool B: V Polo, Optimus Achievers, Aravalli
After a week of league matches, the competition will advance to knockout rounds, culminating in the grand finale on February 1. A special highlight of the finale will be a traditional performance by the Nihang Sikhs of Punjab, blending sporting thrills with cultural splendor.
Grand Inauguration and Dignitary Presence
The opening day was graced by actress and fitness icon Malaika Arora, along with Kamlesh Sharma, Managing Director and CEO of CogniVera IT Solutions Pvt Ltd, and other dignitaries. A grand opening ceremony marked the start of the tournament, further enhancing its prestige in India's sporting and cultural calendar.
Notably, the world's tallest polo trophy was unveiled, symbolizing ambition and excellence and adding to the grandeur of Jaipur's polo events. This follows the success of the recently concluded CogniVera International Polo Cup between India and Argentina, which has fueled even greater enthusiasm for this year's edition.
Tournament Vision and Future Prospects
Speaking at the launch, Kamlesh Sharma expressed pride in the tournament's growth, stating, "Following the success of the CogniVera International Polo Cup, we are proud that the CogniVera Polo Cup 2026 begins today in Jaipur with so much enthusiasm and support. This is our tribute to the legacy of this sport and the excellence it embodies."
With leading players from India and abroad competing at Jaipur's famous polo grounds for a week, the CogniVera Polo Cup 2026 aims to cement Jaipur's reputation as a premier polo destination. The event is set to attract players, spectators, and polo lovers, fostering a vibrant sporting community.
Detailed Results from Day 1
- Team Jaipur 10 (Padmanabh Singh 6 goals, Bhawani Singh Kalvi 3 goals, Lance Watson 1 goal) beat Thunderbolt 6.5 (Samir Suhag 4 goals, Ravinder Mang 1 goal).
- Otiemus Achievers 5 (Dhruvpal Godara 4 goals, Daniel Otamendi 1 goal) beat V Polo 3.5 (Santiago Marambio 3 goals).
- Jindal Bedla 9.5 (Siddhant Sharma 6 goals, Himmat Singh Bedla 2 goals, Simran Shergill 1 goal) beat Chandna Polo 5 (Dino Dhankhar 2 goals, Ashok Chandna, Hurr Ali, and Naveen Singh 1 goal each).
The successful start of the CogniVera Polo Cup 2026 promises an exciting week ahead, with high-stakes matches and cultural festivities set to captivate audiences and elevate the sport's profile in India.
