KogniVera Polo Cup 2026 Opens in Grand Style in Jaipur; Star-Studded Inauguration with Malaika Arora Sets the Tone for a Week of Elite Polo

by Kheltoday · January 27, 2026

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KogniVera reinforces its commitment to heritage sport as the KogniVera Polo Cup 2026 opens with a grand inaugural ceremony in Jaipur
Seven top teams to compete in high-intensity 8-goal polo action through the week
League matches underway; Grand Finale scheduled for February 1 at Rajasthan Polo Club
Jindal Bedla secured a brilliant 9.5-5 victory against Chandna Polo
Jaipur Polo Team overpower Thunderbolt 10–6.5

Rakesh Thapliyal

Jaipur: The KogniVera Polo Cup 2026 (8 Goals) officially commenced on Tuesday in Jaipur with a grand opening ceremony at the Rajasthan Polo Club (RPC), marking the start of a week-long celebration of elite polo, heritage, and sporting excellence. The tournament will culminate with the Grand Finale on February 1, 2026.

Building on the momentum of the recently concluded KogniVera International Polo Cup between India and Argentina, the opening day witnessed a high-profile inauguration attended by actor and fitness icon Malaika Arora, along with other dignitaries, underscoring the growing stature of the tournament within India’s sporting and cultural calendar.

Part of the larger Jaipur Polo Season 2026, the KogniVera Polo Cup will feature seven competitive teams across league fixtures and knockout matches, bringing together leading Indian and international players to Jaipur’s iconic polo grounds for a week of high-octane 8-goal polo action.

Speaking on the opening of the tournament, Kamlesh Sharma, Managing Director & CEO, KogniVera IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd., said, “Polo represents precision, discipline, and teamwork values that resonate deeply with us at KogniVera. After the success of the KogniVera International Polo Cup, we are proud to see the KogniVera Polo Cup 2026 begin today in Jaipur with such enthusiasm and support. This tournament is our tribute to the heritage of the sport and the excellence it stands for.”

Adding to the prestige of the opening day was the unveiling of the world’s tallest polo trophy, which has already become a striking symbol of ambition and excellence, elevating the stature of the Jaipur polo calendar.

Teams & Pools

The tournament is being played across two pools:

Pool A: Jaipur | Thunderbolt | Jindal Bedla | Chandna Polo

Pool B: V Polo | Optiemus Achievers | Aravali

Following the league-stage matches through the week, the competition will move into the knockout rounds, culminating in the Final on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 3:30 PM at the Rajasthan Polo Club, Jaipur.

The Grand Finale will also feature a special traditional Nihang Sikh performance from Punjab, offering a rare cultural spectacle alongside the sporting action.

With the successful launch of the tournament today, the KogniVera Polo Cup 2026 is poised to further reinforce Jaipur’s position as one of India’s most celebrated polo destinations, drawing players, patrons, and polo enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.

Jindal Bedla Extends Winning Streak With a Brilliant 9.5-5 Win Over Chandna Polo

In a thrilling clash at the KogniVera Cup 2026 in Jaipur, Jindal Bedla secured a brilliant 9.5-5 victory against Chandna Polo to extend their winning streak in the current season.

Notably, Jindal Bedla began the game with a 0.5 point advantage due to handicap rule.The initial chucker witnessed a rapid pace as both teams tried to breach each other’s defenses.

However, Jindal Bedla soon settled into their rhythm with excellent displays from Siddhant Sharma and Rao Himmat Singh Bedla.

By the end of the second chukker, Jindal Bedla had taken a substantial lead. This was courtesy of three consecutive goals from Siddhant Sharma who increased the his side-lead by 3.5 with the score reading 6.5-3 at the end of the second chukker.

In the final chukker, Jindal Bedla sealed the deal with two more goals, courtesy Siddhant Sharma yet again and ensured there was no room for a late upset.

Overall, Siddhant Sharma netted six goals in the match, while Rao Himmat Singh Bedla scored twice. Simran Shergill also contributed to the team’s win by scoring a goal.

The victory comes fresh off Jindal Bedla’s recent win at the Rajmata Gayatri Devi Memorial Cup, further proving that they are the team to beat in the Jaipur polo circuit this season as they currently aim for the historic seven-foot KogniVera trophy.

Jaipur Polo overpower Thunderbolt 10–6.5

Jaipur Polo Team kick started their Kognivera Cup campaign on a confident note as the side delivered a composed and authoritative performance to secure a 10–6.5 victory over Thunderbolt in their opening match. Showcasing attacking depth, resilience, and smart game management across all four chukkers, Jaipur remained firmly in control to seal a well-earned win.

After a not-so-satisfying run in the opening tournament of the home season, the victory provided Jaipur Polo Team with the momentum needed to move forward with renewed confidence.

Thunderbolt opened the contest with intent in the first chukker, but Jaipur asserted early control, capitalizing on their fluid attacking play to move ahead 3–1.5. HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur was influential from the outset, driving play through the middle and applying consistent pressure, while Th. Bhawani Singh Kalvi added crucial goals to keep Jaipur in command.

The second chukker saw Thunderbolt mount a strong response, with Samir Suhag leading the charge alongside Ravinder Mang to swing momentum in their favour. Their sustained pressure saw them close the half with a narrow 5.5–3 advantage, setting up a keenly contested second half.

Jaipur responded decisively in the third chukker, raising the intensity and asserting control through structured play and sharp finishing. HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh led from the front with a series of well-taken goals, supported effectively by Kalvi, as Jaipur surged ahead to take an 8–5.5 lead heading into the final chukker.

The closing chukker saw Jaipur maintain composure and manage the game with maturity, extending their tally to 10 goals. Thunderbolt added one more through their continued efforts, but Jaipur remained firmly in control to close out the contest at 10–6.5.

With six goals to his name, HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur emerged as the standout performer of the encounter, anchoring Jaipur’s performance and underlining the team’s strength as the season progresses.

KogniVera Polo Cup 2026 – Matchday Scorecard

Matchday 1 | January 27, 2026

Category: 8-Goal Tournament

Match 1

V Polo Team vs Optiemus Achievers Polo Team

Result: Optiemus Achievers won by 1.5 goals

Final Score: V Polo 3.5 – Optiemus Achievers : 5

Match 2

Jindal Bedla Polo Team vs Chandna Polo Team

Result: Jindal Bedla Polo Team won by 4.5 goals

Final Score: Jindal Bedla 9.5 – Chandna Polo : 5

Match 3