As preparations heighten for the forthcoming Kano International Polo Tournament, two former champions, Kano Lintex, Kaduna 5th Chukker teams and ambitious Malcomines team from Jos are driving the pre-event frenzy.
The trio would be meeting for the first time this year and pundits are already expectant as over thirty fully armed teams from across the head to the ancient commercial city for the prestigious face-off bill between September 15 and 25 in the foremost Bompai battle ground.
Already, Kano Polo Club chairman Alhaji Bashir Dantata is optimistic of unprecedented added value to the forthcoming Kano International Polo tournament reputed as one of Africa’s most prestigious polo festivals.
The chairman, who returned for another term following the just concluded Annual General Meeting of the club, assured that the club is working tirelessly to dominate all aspects of the tournament in order to provide a most rewarding experience for teams, players, sponsors and guests.
Other members of the newly constituted Management Committee of the club include the immediate past Captain, Tajudeen Dantata who was elected as the new Vice Chairman and Baba Dantata who is the new Polo Captain and Bashir Dantata (Jnr.) who emerged as the Tournament Manager.
Other members of the committee are Yusuf Danmasani (Vice-Captain); Dr. Kabir Isiaku was elected the Secretary General, while Sani Bala was elected as Treasurer.
The new Grounds Member is Habibi Buhari while Nasiru Buba emerged the PRO and Publicity member in the committee, just as the trio of Abdullahi Kurata, Idi little and Ibrahim IBB, were also selected as the new Security members of the club.
Meanwhile, Tajudeen Dantata stated that everything is on ground for the most exciting Kano tournament in years.
“We are pushing for the optimal all the way because this event is positioned to restore Kano polo’s pre-eminent pedigree, “added the NPA Chairman and Titan Polo Patron.
Tournament Manager, Bashir Dantata disclosed that the festival event would be decided over two weekends of bumper actions that traditionally attract polo buffs and tourists from across the world.
The first weekend that featured about fifteen ambitious teams, would pitch low goal players in fierce polo confrontations to decide the winners of the coveted Dangote Cup and the glittering MRS Cup respectively.
The second weekend that would ultimately draw the curtain on the Kano 2022 polo extravaganza will feature high goals players and top rated foreign professionals in the race for the event’s biggest prize, the Emir of Kano and the prestigious Dantata cups.
Kano Polo Captain, Abba Dantata who is in upbeat mood, confirmed that Kano teams bracing to compete in all the major prizes against the best from the visiting clubs from Lagos, Ibadan and Kaduna, Katsina, Port Harcourt, Bauchi, Abuja and Jos, among others.
Major prizes to be won during the 2022 polo carnival include the Emir of Kano Cup, Dantata Cup, Dangote Cup and the already crowded MRS Cup. Other prizes include the ever-vibrant Usman Dantata Cup, Audu Lukat Cup and the Muhammadu Sanusi Cup and the Murtala Mohammed Cup.
Dignitaries expected to grace this year’s tourney include the Vice President, Pro Yemi Osinbajo governors of the neighbouring Jigawa, Zamfara, Katsina, Bauchi and Kaduna states respectively, National Assembly members and captains of industries.
Polo Pix Photo Caption:
Kano players led by captain Baba Dantata (centre) in a practice session ahead of the 2022 Kano International Polo Tournament.