— Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh* scores the winning goal* *in a rain-soaked, historic revival
Team Jaipur, led by HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh, emerged victorious in a tightly contested Jaipur Trophy match at the Guards Polo Club, defeating Guards Polo Club by 8 goals to 7.
Revived after more than a decade, the Jaipur Trophy returned to the historic Queen’s Ground in front of a full-capacity crowd, despite persistent rain. The match was part of the Indian Polo Day celebrations and the finals of Indian Polo Shield (18 goals) tournament.
Sawai Padmanabh Singh scoring 4 goals, including the match-winner in the rain-soaked final minutes of the game. Despite playing on new, unfamiliar horses, Team Jaipur dominated the turf, showing superior coordination and resilience under pressure.
Guards Polo Club put up a strong fight, with William Emerson leading their attack and well supported by Kuldeep Singh Rathore. At one point, Guards needed just 2 more goals to turn the game, but Jaipur’s relentless firepower held strong until the final bell.
The match was played under heavy rain, with the final chukker almost entirely drenched, adding to the drama. But it was Sawai Padmanabh Singh’s poise and aggression that led the team to victory — a testament to his leadership and sporting grit.
The event drew a high-profile audience including the Indian High Commissioner to the
UK, Mr Vikram Doraiswami, and several leading members of the Indian diaspora and international business community. Also in attendance was the Global CEO of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the official partner of Jaipur Polo Team during the Indian Season.
A cultural highlight of the afternoon was a spectacular Indian Fusion performance by NRI children, curated by the Natyasri Dance Group headed by Geetha, which charmed both British and Indian guests.
Last played in 2014, the Jaipur Trophy has now been successfully revived by HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh, bringing to life a cherished legacy that began in 1968 — marking a new chapter in Indo-British polo tie
