There were plenty of rains and little sunshine at the prestigious 2024 Kano international polo tournament but the fiesta lived up to its traditional pomp and ceremony with host Kano teams sweeping top laurels.
Kano 2024 polo that pride itself the biggest tourism attraction, attracted teams from all the major polo centres across the country with both the established Nigerian players and upcoming ones jostling for attention during the ten-day extravaganza.
By the end of the annual festival watched by royalties, top government officials, business gurus and thousands of polo buffs, it was Kano Golden Alchemy, Kano SMR/BUA, Katsina Danmarna and Kano Rumbu/Almuazzam teams that emerged champions.
Sadiq Audu Dantata-led Kano Achemy defeated a crowded field of over twenty teams while Danmarna team mounted by Katsina Polo Club Captain, Ibrahim Sarki continue from where they left off during the Centenary event in Katsina, adding their first ever Emir of Kano Cup to their growing trophy shelf.
The second week and the grand finale of the international polo fiesta that pitted local rivals and ambitious newcomers was no less competitive and exciting as Kano based teams swept the stakes.
Habib Buhari who doubled as the Tournament Manager, was undoubtedly the happiest man after dealing his Kano Rumbu team to their second major title in three years, carting home the event’s second biggest prize, the Dantata Cup.
Elated Vice President of Kano Polo Club and one of Nigeria’s top polo Patron, Tajudeen Dantata who superintended the tournament, was full of thanks to all the sponsors, partners and other stakeholders for keeping faith with Kano Polo Club, insisting that without their committed supports 2024 Kano polo wouldn’t have been such a success.
He congratulated all the winners for their discipline, commitment and sportsmanship throughout the ten days polo festival and the runners-up a pad on the back for their hard fought efforts, urging them to prepare better for next year.
“On behalf of the Chairman, Tournament Committee, and members of Kano Polo Club, I would like to thank all the players that participated in this year’s tournament and wish them journey mercies back to their respective destinations” he declared in his closing remarks.
Read Also: Fans beg NFF not to retain Eguavoen for Super Eagles
Kano Polo Captain, Alwan Uma, who expressed satisfaction on the final standings with Kano based teams carting home three out of the four major titles at stake, was particularly thrilled by the female participation.
“I want to acknowledge the female players who helped us make history as Kano Polo Club proudly hosted Nigeria’s fist ever all female polo match. This is a remarkable milestone for the club and Nigerian polo,” the new polo captain added.
While Kano based teams and their Katsina counterparts enjoyed podium celebrations after the glamorous festival, the major highlight of the event was the female exhibition game that put Kano polo on the spot.
The Kano Polo Tournament became the first event to host an all-Nigerian female exhibition game as the growing women polo is gathering momentum in the country as other clubs like Ibadan and Katsina had earlier hosted mixed female exhibition matches this year.
Earlier this year, Lagos polo club hosted a female international friendly game between Nigeria and South Africa, while Fifth Chukker has for years been hosting Pink Polo showcasing female players from Nigeria, South Africa and United States.