By Bashir Bello
The 2025 Kaduna International Polo Tournament traditional cheque presentation took place on Saturday night at Murtala Mohammed Square Kaduna where the lead sponsors First Bank of Nigeria PLC in partnership with the Nigerian Polo Association NPA and other co-sponsors raised over 150 million Naira.
Speaking in an interview with Newsmen, Muhammad Babangida (Garkuwan Yamman Katsina), who is the President of the Kaduna Polo Club commended the sponsors noting that the game had evolved in Nigeria over the years and El-Amin Polo had dominated the scene for many years and Polo is in Nigeria at a very solid level.
Speaking about Polo being the game for only the rich, Babangida said the is for everyone and it is a misconception to say that it is only for the rich. He added that Polo is for whoever has a passion for the sport and within the last 5 years, new and passionate players have entered the scene due to the level of improvement.
“Polo is sustainable in Nigeria and people should understand that 90% of Polo players in this country are not from the affluent families, they are the ones being supported by the sponsors and patrons and wee need both sides” Babangida said.
“Gradually, Nigerian Polo will catch up to the standards of Argentina and South Africa in the game of Polo and Kaduna Polo Club is probably the most prominent in Nigeria.He said.
Similarly in an interview with journalist the tournament manager Atiku Abubakar Saleh who also holds the traditional title of Baraden Maru expressed appreciation to the sponsors and invited guests who have joined in celebrating a century of polo excellence and tradition.
“About 15 or more foreign and international players are expected to participate in the tournament” he said.
