Jindal Panther clinch 10-9 extra-time win over Jaipur Achievers
New Delhi, March 26
Jindal Panther claimed a hard-fought 10-9 victory over Jaipur Achievers in an intense extra-time contest at the Northern India Polo Championship, held at the Jaipur Polo Grounds on Thursday, according to a release.
Jindal Panther started strong, building a 7-4 lead by halftime through coordinated play and efficient finishing. Juan Gris Zavaleta led the scoring with four goals, supported by Siddhant Sharma (3), Ramiro Zavaleta (2) and Naveen Jindal (1).
Jaipur Achievers mounted a strong comeback in the second half, overturning the deficit to take the lead with a high-tempo attacking display. Alejo Aramburu starred with six goals, while Sawai Padmanabh Singh added two and Daniel Otamendi contributed one.
Jindal Panther equalised at 9-9 in the final chukker to force extra time. A missed penalty by Jaipur Achievers proved decisive, as Jindal Panther capitalised to score the winning goal in the added period.
Speaking after the match, Naveen Jindal said, "It was a close, competitive game. We were fortunate to edge it. Matches like these reflect the true spirit of polo."
Looking ahead, he added, "Every match is a new challenge. The key is that both players and horses come through safely."
Commenting on the sport's growth, he noted that while polo remains a niche sport, rising interest and stronger infrastructure support can significantly expand its footprint in India.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone new to watching polo, this article was a great read. The scoring details help understand the flow. It's fascinating to see the mix of Indian and international players. Hope the sport grows!
Brilliant game! Siddhant Sharma with 3 goals alongside the Zavaletas shows great teamwork. But honestly, the article could have given more insight into the tactics. The shift from a 7-4 lead to nearly losing is a story in itself.
Naveen Jindal's point about players and horses coming through safely is so important. It's not just a game, it's a partnership with the animal. More power to such sportsmanship! 👏
Jaipur Polo Grounds is a fantastic venue. Saw a match there last year. The atmosphere must have been electric for this one! Disappointed for the Achievers, but what a fight they put up.
While it's great to see polo covered, I wish mainstream media gave even 10% of this attention to more accessible Indian sports like kabaddi or kho-kho. The niche status will remain if only the elite follow it.
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