AfriPulse
El-Amin Polo Club etched its name further in Nigeria’s sporting history at the weekend, claiming the prestigious Georgian Cup for a record 16th time after a commanding 12–4 victory over Kaduna Makarfi Polo Club at the Kaduna International Polo Tournament.
The thrilling encounter, held at the Dawule Baba Murtala Mohammed Polo Ground, coincided with El-Amin Polo Club’s 30th anniversary, drawing thousands of spectators and polo enthusiasts who witnessed the team’s flawless performance led by top players Mohammed Babangida and Facundo.
Among the dignitaries who graced the grand finale was Governor Dauda Lawal Dare of Zamfara State, who commended the organisers and sponsors for maintaining the high standards of the sport.
“As a former Executive Director of First Bank, I’m very passionate about the game of polo,” Governor Lawal said. “I’m delighted to see how the sport has evolved in Nigeria. The Kaduna International Polo Tournament is now attracting players from across the world, and my administration will do everything possible to revive the game in Zamfara State.”
Also speaking, the Member representing Maru/Bungudu Federal Constituency, Dr. Abdulmalik Zubairu, who holds the traditional title of Zannan Bungudu, lauded the organisers for hosting a tournament of international repute.
“This tournament meets global standards. I’m happy to be in Kaduna today to witness history being made,” he said, expressing optimism that more sponsors will support the sport in the coming years.
The Tournament Manager, Atiku Abubakar Saleh (Baraden Marum), congratulated El-Amin Polo Club for both their victory and their 30th anniversary.
“Let me congratulate El-Amin Polo for this well-deserved win. It wasn’t an easy journey, but the history of the Kaduna International Polo Tournament cannot be complete without mentioning El-Amin Polo,” he noted.
In his reaction, Mohammed Babangida, the Garkuwan Yamman Katsina and captain of the winning team, dedicated the victory to fans and supporters.
“I’m very happy to be part of this history. We’ve been in the game for a long time, and this win means a lot as we mark our 30th year in polo,” Babangida said. “We thank Allah for our 16th Georgian Cup triumph and appreciate all our sponsors and supporters who made it possible.”
Other dignitaries at the event included representatives of the Governors of Niger and Zamfara States, the Emirs of Zazzau and Katsina, as well as officials of First Bank of Nigeria Plc and the Nigeria Polo Association (NPA).
Source: FirstWeeklyMagazine | Read the Full Story…
