NAN-S-19
Polo
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, March 24, 2017 (NAN) No fewer than 10 polo teams are set to compete at the maiden edition of the NSK Polo Tournament scheduled to hold from April 14 to 16 in Argungu, Kebbi State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament will take place at NSK Polo Ranch and Resort located on the Sokoto-Argungu road.
Nura Kangiwa, the Patron of NSK Farms, who spoke to NAN on Friday in Abuja, said that the tournament was the first of its kind to take place in the state.
He said that the aim of the tournament was to revive the game of polo in the northern part of the country.
“Sokoto state used to be the hub of the game of polo during the days of my late grandfather Alhaji Shehu Kangiwa, one of the popular politicians of the Second Republic.
“My grandfather, who was a very strong polo enthusiast organised several tournaments to promote the sport.
“His tenure was, however, unfortunately cut short by a polo field accident on Nov. 17, 1981 in Kaduna. The sport somehow went extinct in the North following his death.
“Since then, our youths have been yearning and clamouring for the sport to return to the state. So, my goal is to revive the dreams and legacy of my late grandfather,’’ he said.
NAN reports that NSK Farms, a vibrant polo club in Abuja has organised numerous polo tournaments including a Democracy day tournament in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari and Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, the governor of Sokoto State.
NSK Farms had, in collaboration with the Nigeria-Belize Chamber of commerce, Industry and Agriculture (NBCCIA), also organised a charity polo tournament in commemoration of the visit of the First Lady of Belize, Simplis Barrow in Keffi, Nassarawa State.
Kangiwa, who holds the traditional title of “Turakin Kebbi”, noted that the NSK polo tournament was a special event independent of the popular Argungu fishing festival which he recalled was earlier scheduled to take place this month.
“Unfortunately, the Argungu fishing festival which was initially scheduled for March would not be able to hold this year again due to circumstances beyond our control.
“However, the polo tournament which was supposed to be one of the events lined up for the festival will now be hosted independently by NSK Farms,’’ he said.
He explained that the participating teams for the polo tournament would compete for various cups donated and sponsored by government bodies, corporate organisations and individuals during the event.
“The three-day tournament will see the participating teams compete for five different cups namely; the Shehu Kangiwa Memorial Cup (for veterans), Umar Shinkafi Memorial Cup, Governor’s Cup, Emir of Argungu Cup and Muhammadu Mera Memorial Cup.
“The tournament will bring together elites, governors, ministers, captains of industries, distinguished senators, members of the House of representatives, sports enthusiasts, business moguls, tourists and individuals alike,’’ he said.
He also revealed that side attractions would include a Durbar; an ensemble of horses and horsemen in an artistic formation commonly found among the people of Northern Nigeria, traditional music and dance.
“In addition to the durbar and cultural dances, we will have a camel racing competition and a variety night.
“The event promises to be outstanding because of the calibre of teams, players and members of the diplomatic community who will add glamour to the tournament,’’ Kangiwa said. (NAN)
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Edited By Hajia Sani/Ese E. Ekama