India eke out a narrow 18-15 win over France in HPRC International Arena Polo final

India scored an 18-15 victory over France in a closely contested final of the HPRC International Arena Polo Championship at the HPRC in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

India began the first chukker well with Arsalan scoring a goal and Salim Azmi bagging two. With the handicap difference of two, India had 5 goals to their credit. France, on the other hand, scored three goals through the efforts of Roman Darroux.

In the second chukker, India completely dominated the proceedings as they scored six goals, while conceding only two to their rivals. Arsalan was at his best in this chukker as he scored a whopping five goals. Salim Azmi helped himself to one. For France, Pierre Hamellin scored a goal.

In the third chukker, France turned things around. They scored five goals, while conceding four to India. Ramon Darroux was again at the helm of affairs as he scored three goals and Pierre Hamellin got two. For India, Arsalan Khan scored one and Salim Azmi got three.

In the fourth chukker too, France dominated the proceedings as they scored five goals. India scored three but they managed to eke out a 18-15 victory. Ramon Darroux scored three goals to take his match tally to nine and Pierre Hemellin scored two in the final chukker. His tally stood at five.

For India, Arsalan Khan scored two goals in the fourth chukker and took his tally to nine goals. Chaitania R Kumar scored a goal. Salim Azmi scored 6 goals in the match.

Tourism and culture minister Jupally Krishna Rao presented the winners’ trophy to Team India. MLAs J Anudidh Reddy and Yannam Srinivas Reddy, and Shiva Sena Reddy, chairman, Sports Authority of Telangana, and Vijender Singh, VP of HPRC, and Reaz Ahmed, secretary (admin), were present at the closing function.

HPRC president Chaitania R Kumar presents the Best Photographer Award to Mohd Waheed Uddin. Reaz Ahmed, secretary (admin) and Sheeraz Ahmed also seen 

Result (final): India beat France 18-15.  

Chukker 1: India 5 (Arsalan Khan 1, Salim Azmi 2, handicap difference 2) vs France 3 (Roman Darroux 3)

Chukker 2: India 6 (Arsalan Khan 5, Salim Azmi 1) vs France 2 (Pierre Hamellin 1, handicap difference 1).

Chukker 3: India 4 (Arsalan Khan 1, Salim Azmi 3) vs France 5 (Ramon Darroux 3, Pierre Hamellin 2).

Chukker 4: India 3 (Arsalan Khan 2, Chaitania R Kumar 1) vs France 5 (Roman Darroux 3, Pierre Hamellin 2).