Gov Radda pledges upgrade of Nagogo Polo ground

As the prestigious 2024 Katsina Centenary Polo Tournament climaxed with fanfare, the governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has expressed commitment to upgrading the famous Sir Usman Nagogo Polo Ground to international standard.

The governor who was the Special Guest of Honour during the grand finale of the centenary polo fiesta made the pledge when he received the delegation of the participating teams led by Katsina Polo President, President, Alhaji Sanusi Kabir Usman who expressed gratitude for the governor’s continued support for the development of the game of polo.

Radda added that the commitment to lift the game of Kings in the state comes in recognition of the sport’s rich cultural heritage and global significance that has over the century remained the biggest sporting festival and a major tourism attraction to Katsina.

“Our administration is committed to supporting polo, not just as a sport, but as a means to revive its glory and transform it into an attractive business venture that fosters mutual relationships,” said Radda.

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He thanked the delegation and all the participating teams for honouring the invitation to the grand event and further directed the club’s leadership to prepare a detailed written proposal for the upgrade of the polo ground.

The centenary polo extravaganza that attracted 33 teams from across the country loaded with foreign professionals and best of Nigerian stars produced proud winners in four handicap categories, with Jos Malcomines making history as the winners of the Nigerian Cup.

Home crowd favourites, Katsina Danmarna polo team led by the Chairman of Katsina Polo Club, Muhammadu Sarki clinched the General Hassan Katsina Cup played in everlasting memory of the first Life Chairman of the Nigerian Polo.

Other proud winners include Rubicon polo team and their Katsina Max Air counterparts who shared the spoils of the Muhammadu Dikko Cup played in honour of the late Emir Dikko who brought polo from England to Katsina and northern Nigeria.

Captain of Katsina Polo Club, Usman Sarki and his brother, Isah Sarki led Aldusar team to clinch the Talba Cup, againsts the Nigerian Army team in a fiercely contested final.