The prestigious Minna annual polo tournament came to a flourishing climax over the weekend with defending champions, El-Amin and Profile teams clinching three of the four major prizes at stake.
El-Amin extended their dominance with another back-to-back, retaining the IBB Cup and added the Abdulsalamin Cup to their crowns, just as Profile that fielded three teams in the event, won the Emir of Minna Cup and General Hassan Cup respectively.
Polo Royals reports that the only major prize that eluded the winning duo was the Governor’s Cup that saw debuting Bilaad team parading Jamilu King, Hassan Aliyu, Jamilu Umar and Nigerian top player, Bello Buba upstaging Minna Profile, to win the title.
Other proud winners of the weeklong fiesta decided at the foremost IBB Polo Ground include Bauchi Gubi that defeated Katsina Gobarau to clinch the Senator Idris Kuta Cup. Both Minna Tunga and Minna Mazuibe Farm teams finished winner and Runners-up in the race for the Kere Ahmed Cup.
Polo Royals can also disclose that the EL-Amin international School quartet of Abdulsalam Aminu, Mohammed Salisu, Jamal Abdulkadir and Sagir defeated their opponent in fiercely contested four chukka finals, to win the Beginners Cup.
Mnna Polo Chairman, Mohammad Babangida expressed physical delight that the popularity of the game of kings in the state is in good hands going by the springing up of so many talents who are participating in the tournament.