Jaipur, January 28, 2026: The Kognivera Polo Cup 2026, one of the marquee tournaments of the Jaipur Polo Season, got off to a thrilling start at the Rajasthan Polo Club Ground, showcasing intense competition, athletic finesse, and grand ceremonial pageantry in front of large, enthusiastic crowds. The week-long 8-goal polo event, running from January 26 to February 1, features seven elite teams and some of India’s best equestrian athletes alongside international players.
Padmanabh Singh Steals the Show on Opening Day
Team Jaipur dominated the opening match against Thunderbolt with a 10-6.5 victory, thanks to a stunning performance by Padmanabh Singh, who scored six goals, including a hat-trick in the very first chukker to set the tone for the encounter. Singh’s teammates Bhawani Singh Kalvi contributed three goals, while Lance Watson added another as Jaipur surged ahead after a brief Thunderbolt comeback in the second chukker.
In other matches on Day 1, Optiemus Achievers defeated V Polo 5-3.5, and Jindal Bedla registered a convincing 9.5-5 win over Chandna Polo, highlighting the competitive balance across teams early in the tournament.
Grand Opening and Trophy Unveiling
The Kognivera Polo Cup was inaugurated with a colourful ceremony attended by dignitaries, celebrities and polo enthusiasts from across the country. Among those present were Malaika Arora and Kamlesh Sharma, Managing Director and CEO of Kognivera IT Solutions, the title sponsor of the event.
A highlight of the lead-up to the tournament was the unveiling of the world’s tallest polo trophy, standing at nearly seven feet tall, a remarkable symbol of prestige and ambition for the sport. The trophy was unveiled earlier in January in Jaipur, capturing widespread attention and adding extra incentive for competing teams.
Part of a Broader Polo Season
The Kognivera Polo Cup is one of several tournaments scheduled as part of the Jaipur Polo Season 2026, a sprawling calendar of elite and invitational events hosted by the Rajasthan Polo Club from January through March. Other high-profile competitions include the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Polo Cup, Raffles Sirmour Cup, and Jaipur Open for the Brigadier HH Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh MVC Cup, among others.
Season organisers have also committed to strengthening Jaipur’s status as a global polo hub, with infrastructure improvements such as the installation of floodlights for night matches and enhanced facilities for players and horses.
Looking Ahead
Following the league stages, the competition will advance into knockout rounds, culminating in a grand finale on February 1. This final day will not only decide the champions of the Kognivera Polo Cup but will also be highlighted by cultural performances, including a traditional display by Nihang Sikh riders, blending sporting excellence with rich cultural heritage.
As the Jaipur Polo Season continues to grow in prominence, the Kognivera Polo Cup stands out as a thrilling blend of athletic skill, tradition and spectacle, reinforcing Jaipur’s legacy as a premier destination for the sport of kings.