New Delhi, March 22 (NationPress) The focus during the Jindal Steel Indian Open Polo Championship final transcended the exciting gameplay, as the impending eviction of the historic Jaipur Polo Grounds became a significant topic of discussion. This final drew approximately 2,000 attendees, including notable figures from business, politics, and dignitaries like Rajeev Shukla, the vice president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Notably, the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Urban Affairs has issued an eviction notice to both the Delhi Race Club and the Indian Polo Association (IPA), provoking strong responses from the polo community.

Adding his perspective, Sawai Padmanabh Singh, who participated in the match for Jaipur Optiemus Achievers and hails from the Jaipur royal lineage, expressed, “Polo is indeed a precious gift from India to the world, and the sport’s global expansion owes much to our nation. Among the most iconic polo grounds globally, the Jaipur Polo Ground rightfully earns its place. Established by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Ji, this venue has been central to the sport for more than a century, hosting both national and international players along with prestigious tournaments. For the entire polo community, this venue is of immense significance—generations of players, including ourselves, have graced this field. Located in the heart of Delhi, it serves not only as a historic sports venue but also as a crucial green space. I earnestly urge the polo community to unite in safeguarding this ground, ensuring we can continue to enjoy it for another hundred years.”

Furthermore, Naveen Jindal, the vice president of the Indian Polo Association and a Member of Parliament, highlighted the cultural and historical value of the venue, stating, “Polo is a cherished part of our heritage, and it is vital that we preserve and promote it for future generations. The Jaipur Polo Grounds, despite its location in Delhi, carries profound historical weight for the sport in India. Polo has been played here for over a century, including the landmark 1922 match between Jodhpur and Patiala that attracted an astonishing crowd of over 150,000 spectators. This ground has hosted some of the most distinguished leaders of our nation and remains the heart of Indian polo as the home of the Indian Polo Association. We have reached out to the Government of India and are optimistic that the feelings of polo enthusiasts will be acknowledged. The attendance today is a testament to the sport’s enduring popularity, and we look forward to a favorable resolution soon.”

Meanwhile, the final itself showcased an intense match, where Jindal Panther put up a commendable effort but ultimately fell 9–12 to Jaipur Optiemus Achievers. After trailing 2–4 in the first chukker and 2–5 at halftime, the team staged an impressive comeback, narrowing the score to 7–8 by the end of the fourth chukker, keeping the excitement alive as the match approached its conclusion.

Under the leadership of Naveen Jindal, Jindal Panther was driven by Juan Gris Zavaleta, who netted seven goals, with Ramiro Zavaleta and Siddhant Sharma each contributing one. Despite their determined effort, Jaipur Optiemus Achievers surged ahead in the fifth chukker and held on to clinch the title, with Alejo Aramburu leading their scoring.

Although they fell short of the championship, Jindal Panther’s resilient comeback and competitive spirit during the middle chukkers highlighted their caliber and fighting attitude. Reflecting on the match, Naveen Jindal remarked, “We had hoped for a victory today, but full credit goes to Jaipur Optiemus Achievers for their exceptional performance. It was a fiercely contested game, decided by narrow margins. The most significant takeaway for me is that the match was played in great spirit, without any injuries, and the spectators thoroughly enjoyed the game. In many respects, that is a win for the sport.”