2016MTN/Katsina International Polo Tournament will be
remembered for thrilling games and the incredible passion of the players and
the teeming polo buffs from across the country and beyond, who throng the event
in their droves to bath in the excitement of the season opening polo
extravaganza.
After eight days of top class polo, the MTN powered
tournament climaxed on high with teams from Kaduna,Kano and host Katsina
carting home carting home the four major titles at stake in what was undoubtedly, one of the biggest and most
competitive international polo events ever staged in the ancient Katsina
kingdom.
Katsina international polo tournament has over the decades
been the centre stage for some of Nigerian polo biggest stars – from Dawule
Baba, Bello and Hamisu Buba, Jamilu Mohammed, the princes from the Katsina royal
house and many in between.
The just concluded
event also added to this rich list of top performers. Prince Aminu Abdulmumuni
joins the exclusive list after top striking for Katsina Peace Air in the rae for Hassan Katsina Cup.
With a crowded field 32 teams from all the major polo
centres across the country vying top honours the Kataina’2016 polo festival was
destined for a photo finish and the tournament demonstrated the tremendous
balance in the game with Yola, Bauchi Port Harourt teams finishing third, fourth and fifth respectively.
Expectedly, Katsina Polo’2016 rumble showcase the best of
Nigerian polo and at the end of a weeklong fiesta, visiting Kano Titans edged
former champions, Katsina Max Air in a closely fought final game, to win the
event’s biggest prize, the Nigerian Cup.
The battle for the
medium-goal General Hassan Katsina that pitted three equally matched teams was
won by the rampaging Kano Bagauda team that outpaced the hard fighting Bauchi
Dokaji in an impressive campaign. Host Katsina gave their fans plenty to
celebrate for as Katsina Evergreen team defeated Zaria Zaz Project to clinch
the Coommassie Cup.
Kaduna contingent
also made the podium with the Talba Cup triumph, thanks to Kaduna Dattaku who
stopped Kano Susplan victory run in a tense final, just Port Harcourt Polo
Shabbazz earned a morale boosting runners-up finish in the race for the crowded
low-goal title that attracted a 15 teams.
“We are particularly
indebted to our numerous sponsors and partners like MTN and others for their
unflinching supports that ensure the successful hosting of this prestigious
polo tournament,” NPF President, Francis Ogboro, declared in his closing
remarks.
“Their readiness to continue sponsoring our tournament for
almost a decade, has become a source of inspiration in promoting sporting
activities and economic development in the various states,” Ogboro concluded.
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