Elevation edges out Jindal Panthers to win Amity Polo Cup 2014 final

The engrossing, exciting and captivating finals of Amity Polo Cup (8 Goal) was played on Sunday at the Jaipur Polo Ground between Elevation and Jindal Panthers.

Elevation overpowered Jindal Panthers by 6-5 Goals and won the title.

The thunder of hooves, clap of millets and galloping equestrians fully entertained the spectators.

The stands were packed to capacity.

Satinder Garcha was declared as the best player of the tournament, while Karatica was declared the best pony.

The eight goal tournament was played over five days at Army Equestrian Centre, Dhaula Kaun and Jaipur Polo Grounds, New Delhi. A total 13 matches were played during the tournament.

This year, over 10 teams competed for the title of Amity Polo Cup 2014.

The finals were battled fiercely between both the teams which fielded some of the best polo players including Mr. Geraldo Mazzini (+6), Mr. Abhimanyu Pathak (+4) and Mr. Simran Shergill (+5).

Team Elevation- LD lliyash Ali (-2), Mr. Satinder Gracha (+2), Mr. Vishal Nihalani (+2), Mr. Gerardo Mazzini (+6)

Team Jindal Panthers- Mr. Pratap Singh Kanota (-2), Mr. Siddhant Sharma (+1), Mr. Abhimanyu Pathak (+4), Mr. Simran Shergill (+5)

After the first chukker, both the teams stood at two goals each with Abhimanyu Pathak and Simran Shergill scoring one goal each in favor of Jindal Panthers and Satinder Garcha and Geraldo Mazzini scoring one goal each in favor of Elevation.

Elevation took charge from the second Chukker with Geraldo Mazzini scoring a field goal and a spot hit in favor of Elevation. Jindal Panthers fought back valiantly but could not lead at any point during the game. During the third Chukker, Simran Shergill scored a 30 yard penalty in favor of Jindal Panthers and Vishal Nihalani scored a field goal in favor of Elevation. During the last and the most exciting chukker, spectators were left anticipating the winners when just 5 minutes before the end of fourth chukker both the teams stood at 5 Goals each. Satinder Garcha (+2) from Elevation took the title by scoring a winning goal and giving crowd a finish to remember.

Speaking during the occasion, Pooja Chauhan, Vice Chairperson, Amity Humanity Foundation said, "Amity, besides providing world class education, imbibes a deep passion for philanthropy and corporate social responsibility. Amity Polo Cup is the testimony of this fact."

She emphasized that Amity Polo Cup is the only Polo Cup which is played for Charity in the country.

She shared that the proceeds of Amity Polo Cup will go to AMITASHA and ATULASHA, projects under the Amity Humanity Foundation (AHF), the social renaissance Engine of Amity.

Under the projects, underprivileged girls and boys are provided free education, books and food so that they can realize their dreams and become valuable contributors to the society.

The finals were preceded by an exhibition match between Axis Bank and Gaursons Group wherein Axis Bank beat Gaursons Group by 4-8.

Thousands of spectators including diplomats, academicians,designers and some famous personalities from all walks of life thronged the Jaipur Polo Grounds to witness the finals, including Naveen Jindal, Member of Parliament; eminent lawyer Pinky Anand; Luis Alvarez, Attache, Embassy of Spain and others.

Also present during the occasion was Dr.(Mrs. Amita Chauhan, Chairperson, Amity International Schools, Mr. Atul Chauhan, Chancellor, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh and President, RBEF and Mr. Aseem Chauhan, Chancellor, Amity University Rajasthan, Ms. Divya Chauhan, Vice Chairperson, Amity School of Fine Arts and Fashion Technology and Ms. Sapna Chauhan, Vice Chairperson, AMIOWN

The performance by the boys and girls of ATULASHA and AMITASHA was a treat to the senses of the spectators and was widely praised by one and all.

The grand tournament was sponsored by Axis Bank, Gaursons Group, GAIL, Hema Engineering, Cosmic Group, Ford India, Dabur, Rathi Steel, EIL, Petronet, OBC, Franchisee India, Varahi Group, Cream of the crop.