Naveen Jindal Envisions Polo's Olympic Comeback in India
Jindal's Aspirations for Polo's Olympic Future
Naveen Jindal, the owner of Jindal Panther, expressed optimism about the potential return of polo to the Olympic Games, particularly when India hosts the event in the future. This statement came after his team faced a 6-9 defeat against Vimal Arion Achievers in the final of the Jindal Panther Cup held at the Jindal Polo Estate in Noida on Sunday.
Jindal's Vision for Polo
In a post-match interview, Jindal emphasized that advancements in transportation and facilities could pave the way for polo's Olympic revival. He noted that the sport was last featured in the Olympics during the Berlin Games in 1936. Jindal remarked, "Polo was part of the Olympics until 1936. The last time it was played was in Berlin. Today, the facilities are significantly improved, with larger aircraft capable of transporting horses anywhere. I am hopeful that when India hosts the Olympics, polo will be included."
India's Olympic Bid
India has officially submitted a proposal to host the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036, with Ahmedabad being the proposed city.
Polo's Historical Roots
The modern version of polo originated in the North-East of India, where British officers discovered it in the 1850s. They introduced the game to England in the 1870s, leading to its spread to the United States and Argentina. The first polo club in the world was established in Silchar, Assam, in 1859, followed by the Calcutta Polo Club in 1862.
Concerns Over Jaipur Polo Ground
The Jaipur Polo Ground, a prestigious 15.20-acre facility located in the Race Course area of Delhi, was taken over by officials from the Land and Development Office in June. This action followed the Indian Polo Association's unsuccessful attempt to contest an eviction notice from the government. Jindal commented on this situation, stating, "The Jaipur Polo Ground is historic, having hosted polo for 135 years. However, the government has taken control for important projects. We hope the Indian government will provide excellent facilities for polo, as it is India's gift to the world. It is our duty to enhance our sports, and the government is also working towards this goal."
Vimal Arion Achievers Claim Victory
On the field, Vimal Arion Achievers triumphed over Jindal Panther with a score of 9-6, with 17-year-old Savir Godara playing a pivotal role in their success. Jindal Panther, which included Jindal, Mahesh, Gaurav Sehgal, and Arjuna Awardee Simran Singh Shergill, struggled to recover from an early deficit.
Match Highlights
The scoring began with Dhruvpal Godara for Achievers in the first chukker, followed by his son Savir, establishing an early lead. Jindal and Gaurav Sehgal managed to respond for Panther, but Achievers continued to score through Savir and Chris Jake. The winners maintained their offensive pressure in subsequent chukkers, with contributions from Dhruvpal, Shergill, and Chris, while Gaurav added another goal for Panther. Ultimately, Achievers secured a three-goal victory.
Savir Godara: A Rising Star
Jindal praised Savir Godara, who is part of India's preparations for the upcoming Polo World Cup, confirming that he would be included in the squad, with final selections pending. Savir expressed his excitement about playing alongside his father, Dhruvpal Godara, for Vimal Arion Achievers. As a third-generation polo player, Savir shared, "It's a great feeling to play with my father. We've faced each other many times, but this season, it's wonderful to be on the same team again."
Savir's Journey in Polo
Savir began taking the sport seriously during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on riding and stick-and-ball practice. He credited his family for his development as a player, emphasizing the importance of riding in polo. "Riding is my top priority. If your riding is strong, you can master any skill. The foundation is riding," he stated.
Optimism for Polo's Future
Savir also expressed hope for polo's Olympic future, noting the influx of young talent in India. He stated, "Yes, it's possible. A new generation of polo players is emerging in India, and I believe we can excel in the Olympics if polo is included."
Dhruvpal Godara on Family Legacy
Dhruvpal reflected on the strong team assembled by Achievers and acknowledged the close nature of the final match, attributing some fortune to their victory. He shared his feelings about playing alongside Savir, noting their training together helped build a strong understanding during the game. "It's a matter of pride for us, as Savir is the third generation in our family to play polo," he concluded.