As the 2023 Kaduna International Polo Tournament gallops-off on Monday, the premium polo club has raised over N71 million at cheque presentation night from sponsors and supporters to organise a thrilling and exciting tourney.
The 2023 Polo Tournament, which will be in two phases, will gallop-off on Monday October 31 to November 5 with Africa’s most prestigious trophy, the Georgian Cup. The high goal (+16 to +20 goals) tourney, which will feature players from within the country and hired assassin from abroad, will run concurrent with the El Amin Cup.
The second week of the tournament at the refurbished and very green pitch of Ahmadu Yakubu Polo Club House, starting from November 6 to November 11, will see clubs battle for the middle goal Emir of Katsina Cup and Imani Cup. Sponsor of the 17th century sliver Georgian Cup and major sponsor of the Kaduna International Polo Tournament, First Bank PLC blazed the trail with unprecedented N30 million.
Other high donors include Taj Bank, Trobell Nigeria Ltd, Plutos Bank who gave N5 million each. Imani Group gave N4 million for the sponsorship of the Imani Cup, while El Amin gave N3 million for the sponsorship of El Amin Cup. Malcomines also gave N3 million same as Fifth Chukker and Ama Pharmaceuticals. NDIC gave N2.5 million, President of NARTO gave N2 million, while Sublime gave N1 million same as Musco Investments.
Speaking at the Cheque Presentation, President of the Kaduna Polo Club, Alhaji Mohammed Babangida said it’s a special day for the club, its various sponsors, and supporters of the tournament. Babangida said the new exco took one year off competition to develop the facilities, while thanking those that supported the club towards the 2023 tournament. “We now have a field like never seen before, we thank you for your support.”
The Tournament Manager, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Saleh, said Kaduna Polo Club has a long and rich history of polo. “Kaduna Polo Club appreciates your commitments. For the 2023 tournament, the major cups to be played are; first week 31 October to 5th November, Georgian Cup (15-20 goals), El-Amin Cup (O-2 goals). Second week, Emir of Katsina Cup, formerly Dickenson Cup, (8-12 goals), Imani Cup (3-7 goals). Other selected cups include; General Hassan Cup; Isa Kaita Memorial Cup; Late Umaru Shinkafi Cup; Late Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Usman Shehu Abubakar Cup”.
Other sponsors that are yet to disclose their donations include, Niger state government, Katsîna state government, Zamfara state government, Barbedos Group, Dangote Group, BUA Group, Rubicon, Badard Zaz and Max Airline.
