BY EZEKIEL DONTINNA
The popular Jos International Annual Polo Tournament 2020, has kick-started its competition yesterday, at the General Hassan Usman Katsina Polo Field in Jos, the Plateau State Capital, featuring players from over 18 teams for the President Cup with 10 playing for Governor’s, NASCO, IMANI Cups respectively.
Among the participating teams for the President Cup included; Jos; Bauchi G.S.A; Kaduna8Twenty8; Maiduguri El-Kanemi; Zaria Zauzau KRP; Minna Bosso; Yola C; Bauchi B.A Team; Zaria Ki-jiki; Katsina Kangiwa; Minna Tunga; Zaria Westream; Jos Shabazz; Jos Green Cure; Jos Zeaseled; Jos NASCO; Jis 3AS and Jos Babale Farm accordingly.
Among the participating teams for the Governor’s Cup are, Keffi Ponys; Lintex and MalcoMines, while the NASCO Cup have, Bichi Farms; Yola BSC; Katsina Gobarau; Abuja NSK and NUL Synergy with IMANI Cup showcasing Kaduna Trappco and Kano Fas Agro in that order under the Jos chilled weather.
The competition featured yesterday, will be on till Saturday December 30, 2020 and climaxes in finals to be played on Plateau State Government, NASCO, Zenith Bank Plc, IMANI 1978, MALCO Mines Minor Metals, UNIMARK Limited, Heritage Polo by Black Kat, Al-Dusar Tomato Nigeria Limited, Inspire Homes Karma New Extension Abuja and Fifth Chukker Polo &Country Club, had over one hundred and twelve (112) players.
Declaring the tournament opened, the President Jos Polo Club, Alhaji Murtala Laushi, welcomed participants of the 2020/2021 edition of Jos Polo International Annual Polo Tournament which has a long tradition of promoting peace and unity among different personalities.
While appreciating Governor Simon Bako Lalong, royal fathers and sponsors, Laushi, welcomed all visiting players and patrons saying, “I hope you have a wonderful stay in Jos and an accident free tournament. My condolence goes to the entire members of Polo Players over the deaths of Walter Fehlamann, Dr. Lovette Lawson both of Jos Polo Club and Mr. Dapo Ojora of Lagos Polo Club.
On his part, the Captain of Jos Polo club, Yusuf Umar Dauda, said, “I wish to express my gratitude to Almighty Allah for his mercies and benevolence and our sponsors for keeping faith with us. May Almighty reward you abundantly”.
THE NIGERIA STANDARDsports reports that, this year’s tournament was exceptionally planned attracting more interests compared to previous ones as people trooped in to watch and to get entertained demonsting the return of peace on the Plateau after series of crises that engulfed the state a decade ago.
The enthusiastic supporters commended Alhaji Murtala Ahmadu Laushi-led leadership of Jos Polo Club for changing the look of the environment through renovating the General Hassan Katsina Polo Field Jos ahead of the tournament after a long period of time of the tournament after a long period of time.
