Optiemus Achievers are the champions of the Habanos Cavalry Gold Cup 2025, following a thrilling 8-7 overtime victory against Jindal Panthers. The final was a captivating display of polo prowess at the Jaipur Polo Ground in New Delhi, drawing considerable attention and attendance. General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff and President of the Indian Polo Association, attended as the chief guest, celebrating the sport and the athletes. The tournament, a significant event in the polo calendar, was organized by Chingari president Chetan Seth and began on November 11. The winning squad for Optiemus Achievers included Gunner Uday Kumar Yadav, the skilled national player Hurr Ali, Shamsheer Ali, and Daniel Otamendi. The Jindal Panthers were led by Naveen Jindal, a Member of Parliament, and included Mahesh Sharma, Jaun Agustin G Grossi, and the decorated Simran Singh Shergill. The match followed the standard polo format of four seven-minute chakras. Optiemus Achievers established an early advantage, leading 2-1 after the first chakra and widening the gap in the second. While the third chakra remained scoreless, the final chakra witnessed a dramatic turnaround as Jindal Panthers fought back to equalize 7-7, forcing the contest into sudden death. Shamsheer Ali’s decisive goal in extra time proved the difference, crowning Optiemus Achievers as champions.
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