Eight teams will participate in the 21st World Elephant Polo Championship to be played from December 8 to 14 in Meghauli, organizers Tiger Mountain Group said. The annual event organized by Tiger Mountain is recognized by the World Elephant Polo Association (WEPA).

Chivas Regal of Scotland led by Peter Prentice will defend their title. International Tigresses captained by Margie McDougal, last year’s runners-up, is vying for their first victory.

WEPA will donate tournament proceedings to local charities including the Swiss Air Tiger Tops Pre School, the Gurkha Welfare Trust and the International Trust for Nature Conservation (ITNC).