Accolades as 2016 Kaduna Polo ends …El-Amin lifts 13th Georgian Cup

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By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON, Kaduna.
The 2016 edition of the Kaduna Polo Tournament ended on Saturday at the Murtala Square, with several dignitaries present as Kaduna El-Amin lifted the prestigious Georgian Cup for the 13th time.
Mohammed Babangida’s El-Amin had beaten Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika’s Guards Brigade Rubicon in an epic final played on Thursday, but the presentation of the trophy was delayed for the closing ceremony.
Notable dignitaries who were spotted during the closing ceremony included the Governor of Adamawa State, Senator Jibrilla Bindow, Emir of Katsina and Life Patron of the Nigeria Polo Federation, HRH, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, Lamido of Adamawa, HRH, Mustapha Barkindo, the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, represented by the state’s Commissioner of Youth, Sports and Culture, Mr. Daniel Danauta and the President of the Nigeria Polo Federation (NPF), Mr. Francis Ogboro.
El-Amin who had Mohammed Babangida not play with them for the first time in the tournament, were however, not so lucky in their bid to lift the Sardauna Cup which they lost to a select side tagged ‘Team  MTN’.
At the end of the four-chukka game, El-Amin were a goal short of MTN as the scoreboard read 2-3 at the ringing of the bell to signal end of the game.
The Sardauna Cup is competted for annually by the winners of the Georgian Cup and a selected team, usually named after the biggest sponsor.
In an interview with newsmen after the closing ceremony, Tournament Manager, Honourable Ibrahim Kontagora said he was happy that the tournament was successful.
 
He commended all the teams that attended for their spirit of sportsmanship and peaceful conduct all through.
 
Speaking further, he said that one of the aims of the tournament, which was to unite polo players from all over the country was accomplished 100 per cent as the players bonded in friendship all through.
 
Meanwhile, some spectators that were interviewed separately, chosen randomly said that they were impressed with the quality of play exhibited, as well as the organization of the tournament.
Kaduna International Polo Tournament is the first in the calendar of the Nigeria Polo Federation. Part of the activities that featured this year was the biennial election of executives of the federation, which saw incumbent President, Mr Francis Ogboro won for the fourth consecutive time.

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