World Championships

The 28th WEPA World Elephant Polo Championships were held between 30th November and 5th December at Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge in the Bardia National Park, in South Western Nepal.

12 teams gathered in Nepal from England, Scotland, Australia, Thailand, the UAE and USA and Nepal, and were split into 3 groups, the Pukka Chukkas drawing the tournament favourites TEPA, from Thailand, the Fosroc Sepoys from the UAE and the Karnali Dolphins (an invitational team).

There were 3 trophies being fought for - the WEPA World Championship, the Chivas Regal Olympic Quaiche (a competition ratified by the Nepalese Olympic Committee) and the Karnali Platter,

Following a disappointing round of group matches, where we struggled with find our form , we ended up being tied for 3rd place in our Group with the Karnali Dolphins (with whom we had an exciting 8 - 8 draw!)

After a very tense penalty shoot-out to decide the final shake up of the 3 groups, with the Chief saving the team twice from elimination by scoring 2 from 2 from the spot, The Pukka Chukkas reached the semi-finals of the Olympic Quaiche.

A closely contested match against the Fosroc Sepoys of the UAE ensued and it saw The Fosrocs', whose side contained 3 experienced and Nepalese speaking players (and who benefited from a very generous handicap!) gaining a deserved 4 - 2 win.

In the 3rd place playoff, the Pukka Chukkas secured the Bronze Medal by beating the New York Blue 3 - 1 in a hard fought but highly enjoyable match, the highlights of which included the first goal in Elephant Polo for Simon "Flash" Ashton" and the goal of the tournament scored by elephant polo rookie Greg Scott.

The team is currently in Kathmandu and the website will be updated when there are better internet connections and when the Chief has waded through the 3600 odd photos that we have - in the meantime, however, he has uploaded a few shots....