Published: February 15, 2026 at 9:40 pm
India produced a stellar performance after lagging behind in the first chukker to post a 21-14 victory over France in the HPRC International Arena Polo Championship at the HPRC in Hyderabad on Sunday.
France were off to a rousing start as Romain Darroux was all over the Indians. He struck 6 goals as the Indians were at their wits end. India scored three goals with captain Yusuf Azmi getting two of those and Mohammad Nayeemuddin scoring one. France took the honours in the chukker to lead 6-3.
India came back strongly in the second chukker as they scored 5 goals to France’s two goals. It was once again skipper Yusuf Azmi who led the onslaught from the front. His speed and control over the horse and placement of the ball proved too much for France.
India and France riders gallop after a loose ball during their match. India defeated France 21-14 in the final on Sunday
Yusuf Azmi struck thrice, while Chaitania Kumar and Kunwar Vishal Singh scored a goal each. For France, Romain Darroux got both the goals. India levelled the scores 8-8 going into the break.
On resumption, India stole the show as Mohammad Nayeemuddin and Chaitania Kumar went on a rampage. India scored seven goals in the third chukker to assert their supremacy and take a three-goal cushion going into the fourth chukker. Mohammad Nayeemuddin scored four goals, while Chaitania Kumar struck thrice.
Romain Darroux continued to be the lone scorer for France as he struck four goals to prevent India from taking a bigger lead.
The fourth chukker was completely dominated by the Indians as skipper Yusuf Azmi again made a telling impact on the game. He scored four more goals to take his match tally to nine goals. Mohammed Nayeemuddin scored a goal as India got five goals in this chukker to make it a comprehensive win. Romain Darroux got two goals for France and took his personal tally to 14.
Yusuf Azmi was the Star of the Match.
Telangana minorities welfare and public enterprises minister Mohammed Azharuddin presenting the trophy to the Indian team
Telangana minorities welfare and public enterprises minister Mohammed Azharuddin, who is also a former India cricket captain, gave away the trophy to the winners.
Result (final): India beat France 21-14
Chukker 1: India 3 (Yusuf Azmi 2, Mohammad Nayeemuddin 1) vs France 6 (Romain Darroux 6).
Chukker 2: India 5 (Chaitania Kumar 1, Yusuf Azmi 3, Kunwar Vishal Singh 1) vs France 2 (Romain Darroux 2).
Chukker 3: India 7 (Chaitania Kumar 3, Mohammad Nayeemuddin 4) vs France 4 (Romain Darroux 4).
Chukker 4: India 5 (Yusuf Azmi 4, Mohammad Nayeemuddin 1) vs France 2 (Romain Darroux 2).
