Jodhpur, a city globally renowned for its royal heritage and traditional equestrian sports, is currently witnessing a fresh spectacle at its iconic Pabupura Polo Ground. The National Cycle Polo Championship officially opened on Sunday with former ruler Gaj Singh launching the tournament by performing the ceremonial ball throw. While the venue is traditionally famous for the thundering hooves of horses, it will now feature skilled players navigating the turf on bicycles, demonstrating exceptional physical balance and maneuverability over the four-day event.
Tournament Format and Match Schedule
To provide broad participation opportunities for athletes from across the country, the national tournament has been structured into three distinct competitive divisions: Senior Men, Junior Boys, and Sub-Junior Boys. According to the organizing committee, action-packed matches are scheduled from November 15 to November 17, running daily between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The competition will culminate on November 18, with the final matches set to begin at 11:00 AM, followed immediately by an official prize presentation ceremony.
Understanding the Dynamics of Cycle Polo
Cycle polo is a fast-paced and demanding sport where players maneuver bicycles at high speeds while using specialized mallets to strike a ball into the opposing team's goal post. Achieving success requires maintaining balance on two wheels alongside swift coordination among teammates and accurate striking capabilities. Following the conclusion of the cycle polo championship, the same venue will host traditional horse polo matches, offering sports enthusiasts in the region a rare dual perspective on the historic discipline.
Prestigious Royal Trophies for Champions
A standout feature of this national event is the array of specialized trophies contributed by the former royal family. Rajendra Kumar Gurjar, co-founder of the Raj Marwar Khel Mahotsav, outlined that unique honors have been established for each playing category. The champion in the senior division will be presented with the National Maharaja Jodhpur Cup, while the junior division winner will earn the National Yuvraj Jodhpur Cup, and the sub-junior winner will receive the National Raj Bhanwar Cycle Polo Cup. All three honors will serve as three-year running trophies.
Key Officials and Organizational Support
The event is being personally overseen by leadership from the National Cycle Polo Association, including its president, secretary, accounts officer, and technical committee chairperson. In addition, key organizers such as Bhanu Pratap Singh, honorary vice president of the Raj Marwar Khel Mahotsav, working committee president Utkarsh Singh, and vice president Pushpendra Singh Bhati are present alongside local dignitaries. The national championship offers a vital stage for young talent to establish themselves in the sport.
